3. The Confrontation
For its sheer musical brilliance and intense over-lapping lyrics, “The Confrontation” remains one of Les Misérables best-loved numbers. After admitting that he’s the man Javert has been hunting “across the years”, Jean Valjean and the obsessed Inspector engage in a kind of verbal duel, firstly singing their positions to one another individually, and then both at once, as their voices overlap. It’s a true highlight of the musical, and something that we’re really hoping Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe can pull off.
After pleading with Javert to let him take Fantine’s daughter into care, Javert promises that he will always be on Jean Valjean’s heels – a promise that will entwine the pair for years to come, as the relentless Inspector dedicates his life to tracking down the escaped convict. We’re interested to know just how exactly Hooper will stage this scene: will the pair just sing at each other like they do on stage? Will they duel with swords? The possibilities are endless, we suppose, but perhaps in just keeping things simple, “The Confrontation” will emerge as one of Les Misérables‘ most accomplished scenes – this time, the lyrics alone might just be enough.
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