See to read. Let's face it, I do: with some books we can't. Long, "thick", difficult to follow ... Or simply, and of course it is like that for the laziest, who are their film versions. Versions that summarize or adapt those original texts and make them lighter or more digestible. Or even though we have read them, we have to admit that we prefer to "see" them.

It usually happens to us especially with Big works of the best writers in history. Even though those versions are far inferior to their literary references. What's more, of some there are several to choose from. Today I'm talking about three great French classics. Let each one apply his own.

Cyrano de Bergerac - Edmond Rostand

One sees the word Cyrano and the next is the face (and nose) of Gérard Depardieu. Or maybe the oldest of the place they see is to Jose Ferrer. Or maybe to Jose Maria Flotats, who played it around these parts. But raise your hand who has read the Alexandrian verses of the play that the French neo-romantic wrote Edmond Rostand and premiered in 1897.

In short, there are countless faces in the cinema or theater over time, but those of Depardieu and Ferrer are the ones we remember the most. Also the most successful. Both actors were nominated for an Oscar (Ferrer won it) for bringing him back to life Hercule-Savinien by Cyrano de Bergerac, the soldier of the XNUMXth century, poet and romantic reference par excellence that he was. 

We have all seen some of its versions. From that of Ferrer in 1950 to that of Depardieu in 1990, especially the latter, which if done listening to it in French, achieves the sublime. And honestly, I still don't read it.

The Phantom of the Opera - Gaston Leroux

Because that's what singing when I look at those letters. I do not choose any of its film versions, but with the musical. This and the next title are considered the best in history. And if the staff were asked about the author of the literary work, surely many gave the name of Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The famous English composer has stolen the site from its true creator, the French journalist and writer Gaston Leroux. Prolific genre author of gothic horror and mystery, Leroux published his most famous title in 1910. But the one who elevated her to eternal glory was Webber with the libretto of an unforgettable musical.

There are countless faces and voices that great singers from all over the world have put on it, from the mythical Michael crawford until the great Geronimo Rauch in its Spanish version and also in London. Raise your hands who have visited the British capital and have not seen that poster on the facade of the Her Majesty's Theater on Haymarket Street. A part of my most musical heart stayed there three times.

Of course, I will also highlight the film version 1943 with one of my favorite classic actors, Claude rains . Before there is that of Lon Chaney Sr.. And the last one she starred in Gerald butler in 2004. And ... I haven't read it either.

The Miserables - Victor Hugo

What to say? This is one of the most important novels of all time. But raise your hand who has read it ENTIRE. I couldn't and this time I tried. Quite simply, and despite the stalwarts of the French writer, the lofty musical of Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil the literary work has been eaten.

La immortal history of the prisoner Jean Valjean, his relentless pursuer Javert, the little Cosette and the unfortunate fantine it is already infused with other lyrics and music just as immortal. If someone hasn't seen the musical yet, let them try their best to do so, or at least listen to it.

There have also been many singers who have given them a voice. From the most historical colm wilkinson until the last and very cinematic Hugh Jackman. And in Spanish, again the Argentine Smoke. I promise I got to read more than half. But one day I couldn't take it anymore. And there it continues.

Anyway

What more titles you have? Come on, make that list.