Victor Hugo's epic novel "Les Misérables," published in 1862, is a sprawling narrative that explores themes of justice, morality, and redemption in 19th-century France. Over the years, it has been adapted into numerous films, each of which condenses the story in various ways to fit the cinematic format. These adaptations often vary significantly from the source material in terms of characters, plot, and themes. Here are some key differences that are commonly seen across these adaptations: 1. **Length and Depth**: Given the massive length of Hugo's novel (it's one of the longest ever written), film adaptations must trim the story considerably. This often results in less depth to characters and truncated subplots. Some adaptations focus primarily on the core storyline of Jean Valjean, Javert, Cosette, Marius, and Éponine, while others might entirely omit or significantly reduce the roles of characters such as the Bishop of Digne, Gavroche, or the Thénardiers, among others. 2. **Characters**: In order to streamline the narrative, certain characters might be altered or their roles diminished. For example, in some adaptations, secondary characters like Enjolras or the other students of the ABC Society may have less prominence or their character arcs are shortened. Film adaptations might also merge characters, change relationships, or even create new characters for narrative or dramatic purposes. 3. **Themes**: While the novel delves deeply into themes of social injustice, the nature of law and grace, and the struggles of the poor, film adaptations may emphasize or de-emphasize these themes based on the directorial vision or to cater to the sensibilities of the audience. Some adaptations may focus more on the personal drama and relationships, while others try to capture the broader political and social commentary. 4. **Plot and Narrative Structure**: The novel's narrative is famously complex and nonlinear, with lengthy digressions that provide historical context or explore thematic elements. Film adaptations, constrained by time, typically adopt a more linear storytelling approach. They may also shift events around for dramatic effect or omit entire sections of the book that deal with historical analysis or philosophical musings. 5. **Visual and Musical Elements**: Some film adaptations, like the 2012 musical version, incorporate the songs from the 1980s stage musical, which adds a layer of expression that's not present in the book. Visual styles also vary, with some adaptations presenting a grittier, more realistic representation of post-revolutionary France, while others might opt for a more stylized or romanticized portrayal. 6. **Ending and Resolution**: Film adaptations might offer more definitive or altered conclusions to certain character arcs. For example, a film might depict the fates of characters like Marius and Cosette differently from the book or might provide a more uplifting or tragic tone to the ending based on the direction the filmmakers want to take. It is important for adaptations to balance fidelity to the source material with the creative license necessary to make a successful film. Each version of "Les Misérables" brings something unique to the table, whether it’s through particular performances, a director's vision, or the way in which the story resonates with contemporary audiences. While no film can capture every aspect of Hugo's monumental work, many succeed in conveying its spirit and key themes, introducing new generations to the classic tale.