Vocal Coach Reacts Empty Chairs At Empty Tables - Les Miserables | WOW! He was... 

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Eddie Redmayne should've gotten an Oscar nomination for this scene alone!!!!!!!!!

It took him 21 takes to get this song just right. That's not criticism, that's me underlining his dedication to this scene. Can't even imagine how tired he must have been, and still he gave this performance!

That little sob he does right after "Don't ask me" gets me every time. Eddie absolutely nailed his performance.

Hi is an amazing actor with a very good singing voice and he brought all those skills to this. The fact that the director filmed the singing live (which historically has not been done in movie musicals) really helped here. The emotion and acting in this movie was emphasised over technical singing, but really appreciate how great a signing performance Eddie gave here.

He deserved as much praise as Ann Hathaway got for this movie, but never got it. I am happy his performance got much more appreciation with time.

Eddie redmayne is literally a god send in this movie . All of the actors did a wonderful job portraying the music and characters I’ve watched this movie several times and I just can’t get over it

Eddie deserved so much more accolades for his role in this movie. And Hadley Fraser was hugely underutilized.

I love how even if your just listening to the audio you can tell that he is crying. many broadway versions, it sounds like they are just singing a song you wouldnt know that they are on stage crying.

They recorded the vocals for this movie live as opposed to lip syncing. So impressive. My favorite is On My Own.

Eddy Redmayne SHOULD have gotten alot of awards for this...

I can’t imagine being in that room listening to your friend sing this song, i’m sure it was immensely powerful. One of my favorite songs from les mis, he did such an amazing job on this

Yes, it was filmed live on set, which is not usually done because of all sorts of different variables on set. Usually, it's pre-recorded and the actors will just mime out their parts. Here they had earpieces to help keep them on-key that were digitally removed or hidden with hair but the vocals and emotions were real and I think that's what the director was going for. He wanted more raw vocals as opposed to perfect clean studio vocals. I think it suits the movie as it's very grim and dark and moody and the choice to use more raw or unfiltered vocals helps. I'd also recommend Anne Hathaway's version of "I Dreamed A Dream" and "On My Own" by Samantha Banks from this movie.

The first time I heard his voice I admit I found it a bit froggy, but this song - when he gets to "Oh my friends my friends, don't ask me" - there is so much emotion I immediately cry. So many incredible performances in this...... just a few misses.

For me I think this was he's best song in the hole movie.

This was mentioned in the comments of I believe the Fandango channel for this scene, but I do believe that this is a superior version of the song when compared to the stage version, mainly due to just how much more emotion he shows through the song, but also because as he sings "I can hear them now" He goes so soft, eyes closed, as if he was actively listening to the memory of his friend's voices, because while the spectacle of belting the line out is amazing, I can't believe the singer can hear anything but himself at that point

Wow that anecdote at the start about your friend dedicating this song to those he lost to AIDS just…. Shook me. Thank you for sharing that. It’s such a lost part of our history. I watch movies like Paris is Dying and am just struck by how many of them are gone, captured in a moment and then forgotten.

The subtlety is what makes it powerful. Toeing the line between singing and speak-singing is handle beautifully. He was really overlooked in this film cuz of Ann, Hugh, and Russell. I know I shouldn't compare the film adaptation and the stage production, but my favorite performance of this song is by Michael Ball in the 10th anniversary "dream cast" recording. This is my favorite song of the whole show. I know some would say his performance is overdramatic, but I'm okay with that. Eddie Redmaybe did an EXCELLENT performance. THANK YOU for reactting to this. I love your videos.

I sobbed during the movie when Eddie was singing this song!

Eddie is unbelievably good. The way he goes soft into "and I can hear them now..." is so much more emotional and powerful than going into a big voice. I just love this. ❤️

Eddie is such an underrated actor! He can emit so much passion, its touching every time.

When you consider the extremely troubled production this movie had, (I’m being serious it’s a miracle the people involved didn’t get seriously hurt) this is one of the most impressive performances I’ve seen in my life

Since you evidently never saw this before, you may as well work your way through all of the Les Mis soundtrack. Phenomenal performances.

Samantha Barks is the highlight of this movie for me. She was doing the role of Éponine on the West End when Cameron McKintosh surprised her on stage to tell her she got the part for the movie.

This performance is breathtaking…beautifully sung with raw emotion and the tears…my goodness.♥️👏🏻♥️

Dang you! I'm usually okay on this song and it's Eponine and Valjean's deaths that really get me... but your friend's dedication before this song reminded me of the wonderful people lost in those early years of the AIDS infections and I just lost it. This song is so perfect for that time because even with all the fear and anger directed at the gay community, we were still out and fighting for our rights and dreaming of a revolution in people's minds so we could have what we're achieving now.

The absolute stripped down nature of this performance is the power in the punch.

i thought eddie redmayne’s performance in les mis was WILDLY underappreciated. his performance of this song was particularly incredible. I WEPT openly and it still kills me. he was able to make use of the fact that this was on film rather than stage to make it much more introspective and sorrowful. the emotion is devastating.

Les Misérables in Concert: The 25th Anniversary Concert at The O2 Arena in London in 2010 with Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean, Norm Lewis as Javert, Samantha Barks as Éponine, and Lea Salonga as Fantine is the probably the single greatest set of performances of this production I've ever seen and heard. To have been there would've been truly amazing. Alfie Boe's voice is just... other worldly. So glad I bought the DVD back then and can watch it over and over 🤣

There are few moments in musics theatre that make me cry, but every single time I watch this, I always sob. I used this song for an audition, because I’ve lost a lot of people I love as well. It’s easy to think of those people and miss them, reminiscing and convey it through your acting / singing. Eddie executed this so expertly, but I think it was mainly all the emotion he conveyed that caught the audience. Absolutely phenomenal. Heart wrenching. ❤

This song reminds me of my daddy who suffered from PTSD and survivers guilt from war. I never got a chance to know who he was before he came back broken but everyone told me he was one of the happiest souls before the trauma. The bottle became his therapist. RIP Dad

One of the most emotional performances ever. Such a brilliant piece of acting - and singing! Spectacular.

My favourite song from the musical. It gives me goosebumps each time. I won't be able to look at empty hospice beds anymore after you explaining about your friend.

he was an Eton Chorister and has had lots of voice training. also he did this LIVE on camera its not playback

The first time I watched Les Mis, I cried so much my face was just wet for about 2 hours, I don’t think a movie ever made me cry so much

he must have been so emotionaly raw after shoting this.

The impressive thing is they recorded this without orchestra. They recorded this LIVE and added the music Later in post production. ALL THE AWARDS DESERVED

I never connected that this song could be used to relate to those who lost so many friends from the AIDS crisis. Listening to his now with that context really hit me hard.

This song bring me to tears whenever I listen to it. Just so emotional.

He recently did the Emcee for Cabaret earlier this year at the West End, and oh I wish there were some recordings. I discovered /found out about him as an actor with this movie and ever since im absolutley a fan love Eddie!! 🙌❤️

This song gets me anytime anywhere i cant

Good lord, Eddie Redmayne is a flippin' treasure.

There are so many good songs in Les Mis. My favorite song used to be "Bring Him Home", but now I'm stuck on "Stars". But this one is soo good when it's done right.

He has an amazing operatic voice. 😭 He deserved an award for this!

This movie is amazing! The fact that they sing as they record makes it even more impactful! 🥺

Ooh, I'm definitely coming back for this in a few days. I love this song! I have been singing this for a few months now and I'm still not bored by it. Also still not good enough to record for other people to hear. 😉

Les Mis was the first theatre performance I saw. It was in 1998/1999 in Sacramento and I only went because it was extra credit for my French class. I was addicted from the very first moment and touched by the end. Thank you for this reaction. I am so happy to view it. :)

I always think of my many comrades when the first line hits. People who taught me to fight for human rights and against police violence in my country (Brazil). Some of them have died on the struggle. My heart goes immediately to them and specially to my childhood friend, Marivaldinho. It also goes to the ones who are still here, and to the fear I feel for them. And the fear they may also feel for me. It was heartwarming to listen to yours and your friend's experiences regarding this song - although it is no consolation, I feel a little less lonely to know that there are people who also listen to this and think of "the grief that can't be spoken".

Even more impressive...it wasn't cut.

This song always makes me cry, Eddie's cover is so emotional & moving. He did an amazing job, I love it!!!!

I know a few movie musicals you should checkout next - Joseph and The Amazing Techincolor dreamcoat - Pete's dragon (1977) - Grease 1 and 2 - The Wizard of Oz - Dr. Dolittle - Phantom Of The Opera

I haven't watched les miserables or listened to it's songs for a long time... but I guess youtube algorithms still know this is my favourite performance lol

Eddie Redmayne was excellent the best of the "leads" apart from Aaron that is, but in my opinion Rob Houchen is the best Marius, his voice is just perfection.

This is my 2nd favorite musical of all time. (After Miss Saigon). I was pessimistic that this movie would be satisfying to me. HOWEVER, I LOVED IT. You should definitely check out the entire movie. VERY well done.

Love this song. Love this movie. Love him

So beautiful and moving... I too can't watch it without shedding tears..., nor Anne's performance either. Just a completely different medium from the stage shows, that I don't know if you can really compare them. Very few come close to the originals Michael Ball, Colm Wilkinson and their performances in the 10th Anniversary concert.

It’s amazing how a teacher can try to say how good a professional in the business does. He lives the life you wish. He can control the voice because he does it for a living and is a very good actor. His cry is from work. Not a true cry that we get.

He recently played the emcee in cabaret!!!

This is one of my favorite movies 🥰❤️

The songs in this musical are so powerful and (should) make everyone cry! I thought of my dad, he tragically passed away a year ago this month.

I love this performance. I’m excited to watch!

actors had vocal lessons exacly for this parts. Anne says she practiced with their vocal coach twice a week and ad additional vocal coaching in london to help her with the emotions while singing

Thank you for your heartfelt reaction to this incredible performance of a beautiful song and the personal recollection that made it so special to you. I saw Les Mis on Broadway in March 2002 - 6 months after 9/11. I'm sorry I don't remember who played Marius. What I do remember is the depth of the performance so soon after the tragedy and lives lost in September. It was no longer 19th century France, it was 2001 NYC. You could have heard a pin drop. The song will always have special meaning to me, too, and Redmayne was brilliant.

Eddie killed this role.

This song makes me sob every time I hear it, no matter who sings it. Eddie’s acting and singing in this version just breaks me.

Don’t want to wait??? Watch this video RIGHT NOW on my Patreon account: www.patreon.com/SongsFromASuitcase

There is only one singer who can give a masterclass to this song and that is the one and only Michael Ball he puts so much into to that song as the original Marius watch the 10th anniversary to it done brilliant

Les mis is my fav fav and this is my fav song in it. He does a great job at rawness

The dog sleeping in the chair behind.

I love his performance on this so much!amazing!

I remember the first time I saw a recording of this Musical. Ricky Martin was Marius. I have heard it so many times since. When this movie came out this was not the part I thought would get me. His performance of this song had me sobbing in the movie theater.

This was my first and only Broadway show in high school, I'm not sure that if I saw a different show on Broadway it would be able to top that experience. The songs in this are just so powerful.

React to the entire thing please , I need a les mis watch party 🙏🏻🥺

Okay yes les mis!! This song gets me every time but if you want one that doesn’t make you cry then do the abc cafe/red &black. If you want to cry some more watch on my own and little fall of rain! Little fall of rain always gets me

This is my absolute favourite version of this song.

My uncle died of AIDS when I was 10. So here’s me, putting that spin on this song after your story…and bawling my eyes out… 🥺😭

I have seen this on Broadway and have grown up listening to the soundtrack. I never liked this song, until I heard this version. The emotion in it kills me. I trade off listening to the Broadway soundtrack and the movie soundtrack. There are quite a few I prefer from the movie. At first I hated that the music was filmed live, but my tune changed pretty quickly.

Your story about your friend really moved me. If you haven't seen Tick Tick boom with Andrew Garfield about Jonathan Larson and his friends he lost please please watch it. It's nothing short of emotional genius produced and directed by Lin Manuel Miranda.

I liked Reddie Redmayne in Fantastic Beasts but didnt know he was in Les Mis. I hadent cried this hard in a while when I saw his performance.

Amazing video ❤

Oh you have to react to On My Own from this movie, is perfect too

I think a difference between Eddie’s version of Empty Chairs and Anne Hathaway’s version of I Dreamed a Dream is the amount of emotional outbursts that each actor has in their respective scene. For this scene there’s really only one emotional outburst and that’s when the lyrics “Oh My Friends My Friends Don’t Ask Me”. It’s at this moment where Eddie let’s his emotion overtake his singing. Besides that he does a really good job at keeping his emotions in check to make sure that it doesn’t effect his ability to sing. Parts where he could reach for that emotional moment of crying he holds off by either making the decision of speaking or singing softly. It also helps that the emotional outburst comes near the end of the song. Where as in I Dreamed a Dream we Anne Hathaway constantly have emotional outburst where the crying overtakes the singing. This is all an acting decision from Hathaway and for what’s it worth from an acting perspective I find it absolutely riveting. However from a singing perspective it’s hard to sing, have an emotional crying moment while still continuing to sing, than go back to just singing. It’s next to impossible to continuously try to sing, cry, sing, cry, and sing for the entire duration of the song especially for a song like I Dreamed a Dream.

Aw shit... this song makes me cry already.. you're gone and make me cry again. Even more.

This performance is the best scene in the movie

What commentary. How eloquent. Just wow. Yeah I can take this seriously

Michael balls version will make you cry more

Literally last week I watched two completely separate RU-vidrs reference this song. One just randomly did a little sing-song "empty chairs and empty tables" and an hour later I was watching a RU-vidr and she belted out "my friends, my FRIEEENDS!" XD Now, you're reviewing the actual song. What an odd thing to come in three.

yes singing Live was incredible and extremely taxing on their voices

I completely agree with you about friends with aids. I lived in Sacramento, CA, in the 80s and was very active in a Universal Church. There were tons of gay men who were my friends, and most of them died. It was horrific. This song is so perfect for that. ❤

I don't know if others have said, please watch Michael Ball singing this. Lots of this technique is from Michael Ball's original portrayal of Marius.

I know many people mentioned here, mostly praising, that the performances were filmed live on set, so I am gonna ask: isn't that kind of problematic though? The director made the actors do several shots of every scene, tiring their voices, they had to sing for hours at the time. Traditionally (please correct me if I am wrong) performers tend to take care of their voices for the shows, many even going hardcore as not speaking or speaking in whispers, only performing at 100% when live. I understand they did it for "the acting" but... it is claimed to be quiet damaging, isn't it? Especially when you hear testimonies from actors, not even profesionals singers who may "know" how to sing, like Hugh Jackman saying "he didn't even drink water" to evoke certain feelings when singing. I am interested to hear your opinion as a vocal coach, more even if you have seen the rest of the movie and other performances (Hugh Jackman's in particular which sometimes comes out as tone deaf)

Home Free is a great a cappella group. You need to check them out!

Would you please, PLEAAAASE analyze the whole movie? I'd love that 🤗

Michael Ball will always be "my" Marius, but for the movie this version is perfect.

didnt know had no idea edfie redmayne could sing! anne hathaway hugh jackman we knew from musical theatre as well as eponine

No one beats Michael Ball at this song

cry every time

@songs from a suitcase you should do Do You Hear the People Sing? (reprise) it'll make you cry but from the movie, I have had sadly my fair share of crying so I know I watched this alot.

I can't sing to save myself and yet at the same time I am a weird person, I can learn songs just by listening to them once, I can cry on cue (a trick I taught myself to do when I was a child) and I can do the cry/sing thing effortlessly and it is clear and on a key (it's the wrong key and totally out of tune but it is on a key). I did take a year of singing lessons when I was 15 just to get me out of class but I had not learnt anything like that (it was real basic stuff) so it was all just watching the many who could do it. So now, you tell me that it's not easy to that do it and I am surprised, something I taught myself (regardless if it is on the right key or not) I thought it must be a more advanced singing trick but not too advanced if I could somehow do it but apparently it is harder than I thought.

I had to pay to watch the movie in theatre twice because this scene hit me too hard and I started crying bad enough I had to leave the first time...and I knew the material coming in I am a huge les mis nerd.