Richard Boleslawski's Film "Les Miserables" (1935)

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how themes from the Old Testament, including the absolute authority of the law above all else and from the New Testament, including unconditional love, forgiveness, salvation and atonement, can be found in Richard Boleslawski's 1935 film version of Victor Hugo's novel "Les Miserables".
Outline
The Law
Unconditional Love
Forgiveness
Atonement
Salvation

From the Paper:

"The concept of absolute authoritarian law is represented by Javert, the policeman. The law, according to Javert, is the answer to all conflict. This guides his judgment and decisions throughout the film. His relentless pursuit of Valjean is evidence of this. The only way to atone for wrongdoing is through harsh punishment, whether fully deserved or not. This concept is also representative of the society at the time. Paris during the 1830's was a harsh place, where many were poor and desperate. It is in fact a desperate crime that leads to Valjean's arrest and imprisonment. Thus, the slightest error would bring upon the perpetrator the harshest punishment. This is reminiscent of the Old Testament, where there was a law for everything from crime to the dress code. If God was not happy with something somebody did, they would be struck dead on the spot. Thus Valjean represents the merciless law of the Old Testament."

More papers on Richard Boleslawski's Film "Les Miserables" (1935):

• Essay # 72351 : "'Les Miserables' as Social Production"
• Essay # 137804 : "Analyzing Jean Valjean’s Central Importance as the Symbol of the French Penal System and Social Justice in Les Miserables by Victor Hugo"
• Analytical Essay # 63138 : "Les Miserables"

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