Christian Clavier is splendidly scheming, selfish and low, while Virginie Ledoyen is suitably appealing as Cosette. Depardieu is an excellent Valjean, articulate and ultimately tragic, while Malkovich is entirely convincing and gives us an unusually "human" Javert. The direction is crisp, the script intelligent and engaging, and the acting convincing and moving. It contains a number of alterations to the original narrative, but remains faithful to the essence of the characters, though I found Valjean's obsessive behaviour toward Cosette somewhat exaggerated, and too little emphasis laid on his sense of duty, responsibility, and lack of self-esteem, as his motivation. Six hours in length, Depardieu as Valjean, Malkovich as Javert, rich in detail and emotionally engaging - what more can one ask? As with the 1934 version, this treatment is very full and therefore retains the strength of the original. Les Misérables is a 1934 film adaptation of Victor Hugos 1862 novel of the same name.It was written and directed by Raymond Bernard and stars Harry Baur as Jean Valjean and Charles Vanel as Javert. This is the epic tale of love, honor, and obsession amidst the dramatic backdrop of early 19th century France. Jean Valjean, convicted of a minor crime, spends the rest of his life being pursued by a cruel and unrelenting policeman, Javert. With Jean Gabin, Bernard Blier, René Fleur, Julienne Paroli. One of my favourite versions, second only to the 1934 adaptation. Les Misérables: Directed by Jean-Paul Le Chanois.