Seven Years Later, the Magic Lives On
This Christmas Day marks the seventh anniversary since the release of the cinematic masterpiece Les Misérables in 2012. The film captivated audiences worldwide, and it remains etched in our memories for its powerful storytelling and unforgettable performances. One of the standout moments of the movie was Anne Hathaway's portrayal of Fantine, a role that ultimately earned her an Academy Award. To celebrate this milestone, Closer Weekly reached out to hair and makeup artist Paul Gooch, who played a crucial role in shaping Anne's unforgettable look for the film.
Building Trust Through Collaboration
Paul Gooch has worked with Anne Hathaway on multiple films, so by the time they embarked on Les Misérables, their professional relationship was already built on mutual trust. "Anne and I had worked together before, so when it came to creating her look for Fantine, there was no hesitation," Paul exclusively shared with Closer. "She trusted me completely from the very beginning." Paul, who has received numerous accolades for his work, including an Emmy nomination for Jason and the Argonauts and a BAFTA win for Alice in Wonderland, brought his vast experience to the table, ensuring that Anne's transformation was nothing short of remarkable.
The Moment of Truth
Paul vividly recalls the day he transformed Anne into the tragic character of Fantine. "I went to Anne's apartment in London, and she sat in a chair, not facing a mirror, while I worked on her look," he reminisced. "When I was done, she looked in the mirror and saw the most distraught version of Fantine I had created. She simply nodded, and that was it." With the transformation complete, the team began filming the next week, setting the stage for one of the most iconic performances in recent cinematic history.
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The Haircut Scene: A Test of Nerve
One of the most memorable moments in Les Misérables is when Fantine cuts her hair, a scene that required a lot of precision and trust. "It was my hands that cut Anne's hair during the scene," Paul revealed. "Dressed in a costume identical to the character 'The Hair Crone,' I stood behind Anne with a very sharp knife, facing six cameras." To ensure Anne stayed focused, Paul warned her not to look at him because the sight of him in costume might make her laugh. "When the director, Tom Hooper, gave the signal, the cameras began rolling, and the music started playing. I had only three minutes to shave as much of her hair off as possible. I warned Anne that I might accidentally cut her scalp, but she was undeterred, telling me to do whatever was necessary for the scene. I've never been more nervous in my life!"
