It has been over a decade since the release of “Les Misérables,” the iconic musical adaptation that solidified Tom Hooper’s status as a renowned director. And now, as the remastered version of the film prepares to hit cinemas once again, Hooper reveals that he is ready to step back into the world of feature filmmaking.
After the success of “Les Misérables,” which grossed over $442 million worldwide and won Anne Hathaway an Academy Award, Hooper’s most recent endeavor, “Cats,” didn’t quite make the same impact. However, this setback hasn’t dampened his enthusiasm for the craft. In fact, Hooper hints at several new projects in the pipeline, suggesting that he is close to returning to the director’s chair.
Following “Cats,” Hooper primarily focused on commercial work for brands like Vodafone, McDonald’s, Santander, and Vanish. But his involvement in remastering “Les Misérables” has reignited his passion for filmmaking. Hooper expresses a desire to create movies for the big screen once again, recognizing the immense power and impact that cinema holds.
The new edition of “Les Misérables” features a remixed and remastered audio experience with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision. Hooper highlights the importance of these technologies, particularly for musicals like “Les Misérables,” as they enhance the immersive quality of the soundscape and provide a visually stunning experience. The director also notes that Dolby Vision allows for true black tones, which intensify the impact of the film’s night scenes.
Returning to “Les Misérables” was an emotional journey for Hooper. Reflecting on his collaboration with co-screenwriter Claude-Michel Schönberg, they realized the profound exploration of parental love in Victor Hugo’s novel. Now, as a father himself, Hooper feels a deeper connection to the themes they explored more than a decade ago.
As Hooper prepares to captivate audiences once again with his cinematic storytelling, his return to feature filmmaking promises a fresh and invigorated perspective. Audiences can look forward to more powerful and heartfelt narratives brought to life on the silver screen.