Tahar Rahim shifts focus from 'Madame Web' to 'Les Misérables', bringing a fresh approach to Javert and his clash with Valjean

Fresh from one of the most intense shoots of his career, Tahar Rahim arrived at the Marrakech Film Festival energized, discussing Fred Cavays bold reinterpretation of Victor Hugos timeless Les Misrables, which he likens to a cinematic Fugitive-style thriller. Rahim stars alongside Vincent Lindon as Valjean, supported by Nomie Merlant, Camille Cottin, and Megan Northam.

Rahim explains, In this adaptation, the director wanted to emphasize the confrontation the cat-and-mouse relationship between Javert and Valjean. He adds, Its the same story but presented with more energy and momentum. In France, retelling this tale every few decades has become a cultural tradition.

To truly inhabit Javert, Rahim approached the character starting from his final moments, examining the reasoning behind the iconic figures ultimate decision. I needed to understand why someone, especially for a modern audience, would take their life upon realizing they were wrong. It didnt feel credible. We had to uncover an explanation and guide viewers through it, gradually building the character and his obsession with Valjean.

Rahim emphasizes that the portrayal is grounded in realism. The romantic notion of a man immediately ending his life upon self-realization doesnt work. We discovered a subtle detail in Hugos novel that had never been explored before. We nurtured that small element into a pivotal part of the story.

Known for his meticulous preparation, Rahim describes entering a character as a complex process. For his role as Charles Aznavour in 2024s Monsieur Aznavour, he underwent six months of vocal training and performed live singing on set. Similarly, for Julia Ducournaus Alpha, he lost considerable weight and volunteered at a Paris needle-exchange program to understand his characters reality. He reflects, I didnt engage in drugs myself, but I needed a tangible truth to connect with the role. Even small rituals, like preparing cherry tomatoes with pistachios, became a way to feel immersed in the characters experience.

Exploring the inner life of his characters, Rahim notes, I realized these individuals are wounded, often invisible to society, yet retain glimpses of innocence and playful energy. That balance of darkness and vulnerability is essential.

Shifting away from the psychological depth of roles like Javert, Aznavour, and his part in Alpha, Rahim addresses his turn as the antagonist in the Spider-Verse spinoff Madame Web. Aware of the online chatter surrounding the film, he intentionally kept his distance from social media commentary. I focused on doing my job and avoided distractions, he states.

Les Misrables is set to premiere in French cinemas via Studiocanal in November 2026, with its high-profile cast and ambitious production already generating anticipation as a major cinematic event of the year.

Author: Ava Mitchell