# Anne Hathaway spoiled the ending of Les Misérables on The Daily Show

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anne-hathaway-spoiled-the-ending-of-les-miserables-on-the-daily-show/646476>\
**Category:** Cafe Society\
**Created:** [January 8, 2013, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anne-hathaway-spoiled-the-ending-of-les-miserables-on-the-daily-show/646476 "2013-01-08T13:58:44Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 3

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anne-hathaway-spoiled-the-ending-of-les-miserables-on-the-daily-show/646476/41 "2013-01-08T15:44:15Z")

</div>

> [@ladyfoxfyre](#):
>
> How does that work though? Is your only enjoyment of a story the fact that you didn’t know how the ending turned out?

No. But it’s a big part of the enjoyment.

What I don’t understand is you and RealityChuck who think that apparently if something holds true for them, it holds true for everyone. It does not exactly ruin a story for me if I find out the ending, but it does take away some of the joy. Is this really a difficult concept?

It’s once again the age old concept “I am RIGHT and thus you all are wrong. Movies can’t possibly be ruined by you finding out the ending, because they are not spoiled for ME.”

Can’t we just agree that people are different? I don’t know about the “current moral outrage” but I would guess that people who hate spoilers, always hate spoilers and have always hated spoilers.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anne-hathaway-spoiled-the-ending-of-les-miserables-on-the-daily-show/646476/42 "2013-01-08T15:51:49Z")

</div>

You shouldn’t spoil the end of a movie that is currently in theaters, it doesn’t matter how old it is. Those who haven’t read the book or watched the musical are the ones most likely to want to see the movie.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anne-hathaway-spoiled-the-ending-of-les-miserables-on-the-daily-show/646476/43 "2013-01-08T15:54:02Z")

</div>

Even if we assume that, Fantine dies like 45 minutes in. Her death can in no way be classified as being in any way a part of the ending.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Wheelz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wheelz/32/5718_2.png) [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anne-hathaway-spoiled-the-ending-of-les-miserables-on-the-daily-show/646476/44 "2013-01-08T15:54:12Z")

</div>

> [@RealityChuck](#):
>
> This spoilerphobia has nothing to do with ruining a movie (if knowing the ending ruins a movie, no one would ever watch a movie more than once), and all to do with snarky phony outrage in order to get attention.

Wait, what?  
I re-read my OP, and don’t see a lot of outrage or snark there, and I don’t much care about getting attention.

Just thought it might be an interestic topic of discussion.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anne-hathaway-spoiled-the-ending-of-les-miserables-on-the-daily-show/646476/45 "2013-01-08T15:59:04Z")

</div>

> [@Inner\_Stickler](#):
>
> Even if we assume that, Fantine dies like 45 minutes in. Her death can in no way be classified as being in any way a part of the ending.

It’s still a spoiler even if its not at the end. Assuming only people who read the book or saw the play wanted to watch your movie strikes as incredibly stupid.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anne-hathaway-spoiled-the-ending-of-les-miserables-on-the-daily-show/646476/46 "2013-01-08T15:59:04Z")

</div>

Jon Stewart’s comment annoys me a bit, too. “Read a book”. Bite me, asshole. I read constantly. I read at least four new books a month, and I’d read more than that if I could drag my ass to the library more.

I’ve never read Les Mis, and never intend to. I read a lot of classics, but Les Mis is like 1000 pages of depressiveness. I am probably going to watch the movie, but I am only tangentially aware of the plot and didn’t really know who died.

Now I do know it’s a tragedy and so the spoilers don’t bother me as much…and I am not that crazy about it. If it was a movie/show/book I LOVED and someone spoiled it for me…I’d be tempted to hurt them.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Wheelz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wheelz/32/5718_2.png) [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anne-hathaway-spoiled-the-ending-of-les-miserables-on-the-daily-show/646476/47 "2013-01-08T16:03:34Z")

</div>

> [@Inner\_Stickler](#):
>
> Even if we assume that, Fantine dies like 45 minutes in. Her death can in no way be classified as being in any way a part of the ending.

I admit that “in the end” was my wording, without knowing the facts. She was telling a story about filming Jean Valjean’s death scene, and referred to her character as being already dead. I didn’t know her death happened that much earlier.

But, as **DigitalC** points out, that still counts as a spoiler.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anne-hathaway-spoiled-the-ending-of-les-miserables-on-the-daily-show/646476/48 "2013-01-08T16:03:57Z")

</div>

> [@DigitalC](#):
>
> It’s still a spoiler even if its not at the end. Assuming only people who read the book or saw the play wanted to watch your movie strikes as incredibly stupid.

I don’t think they’re assuming that at all. They’re assuming that people are familiar with some of the basics of the plot, especially since sometimes the _interviewer_ will bring up her character’s death.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anne-hathaway-spoiled-the-ending-of-les-miserables-on-the-daily-show/646476/49 "2013-01-08T16:05:22Z")

</div>

> [@Wheelz](#):
>
> I admit that “in the end” was my wording, without knowing the facts.

I was mostly responding to DigitalC who thinks endings shouldn’t be spoiled. Even if we all agree that’s true, her death would be beginning or maybe middle spoilage.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![DMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anne-hathaway-spoiled-the-ending-of-les-miserables-on-the-daily-show/646476/50 "2013-01-08T16:06:29Z")

</div>

I didn’t much care for the movie (actually kind of hated it) as per my comments in the “I have seen Les Mis” thread.

I had never read the book, nor seen any of the films or the Broadway show. I think it is a fair guess that many who went to see the film were like me and had no clue about the story. So yeah, she did sort of give away a few plot points…some in the audience might have expected things to turn out differently while watching the film.

So yeah, the story has been around for ages and it is not like she was telling the world “the butler did it”, but it probably wasn’t the wisest decision to mention it while the film was still in the theaters.

But then again - I would have been happy to see them ALL die about 1 1/2 hours earlier than when the film actually ended. Did I mention I didn’t particularly like this film?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anne-hathaway-spoiled-the-ending-of-les-miserables-on-the-daily-show/646476/51 "2013-01-08T16:09:24Z")

</div>

> [@Inner\_Stickler](#):
>
> I don’t think they’re assuming that at all. They’re assuming that people are familiar with some of the basics of the plot, especially since sometimes the _interviewer_ will bring up her character’s death.

And you know, I just want to say, I understand it’s mostly on me to avoid spoilers. And I do. Hell, if there is a show out I want to see (current season Doctor Who) and haven’t, I avoid even sites like “I can haz cheesburger” because I know there are spoilers. I don’t read interviews. I don’t watch them. I don’t read articles about them. I’m super careful.

It’s when people just blurt out the spoilers and then look offended when you are irritated that annoys me.

The OP specifically said the audience didn’t have time to avoid the spoiler. Personally, I think that if you really didn’t want spoilers, you should not have been watching an interview with one of the stars of the movie! Yes, I feel like they could shut their traps, but I can’t control them. Only thing I can control is my own behavior. If it was a movie I loved I’d never watch the interview.

ETA: Gah! Top of second page!

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ladyfoxfyre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ad7895/32.png) [@ladyfoxfyre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ladyfoxfyre)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anne-hathaway-spoiled-the-ending-of-les-miserables-on-the-daily-show/646476/52 "2013-01-08T16:10:14Z")

</div>

> [@Anaamika](#):
>
> What I don’t understand is you and RealityChuck who think that apparently if something holds true for them, it holds true for everyone. It does not exactly ruin a story for me if I find out the ending, but it does take away some of the joy. Is this really a difficult concept?

What I don’t understand is being so upset by the idea of having a plot point revealed that you are motivated to talk about hurting people because it bothers you so much. I know you mean it in jest, and I’m certain you wouldn’t actually harm someone for revealing the end of the story to you, but really…overreact much?

> [@](#):
>
> It’s once again the age old concept “I am RIGHT and thus you all are wrong. Movies can’t possibly be ruined by you finding out the ending, because they are not spoiled for ME.”

You’re right, I do have a hard time understanding that knowing the ending literally ruins the movie for you. I don’t really care who’s right or wrong about this particular subject, I am just saying that I think it’s odd to be that angry about it. Me, I actually enjoy knowing the end so that I can appreciate the subtle indicators of it throughout the film, rather than having to go back and watch it now that I know what everything is supposed to mean. You’re different, that’s fine. It’s just weird to me.

> [@](#):
>
> Can’t we just agree that people are different? I don’t know about the “current moral outrage” but I would guess that people who hate spoilers, always hate spoilers and have always hated spoilers.

Uh, yeah you can be different all you want. I don’t recall saying anything like “you have to love spoilers or else you’re stupid!” But it is pretty hipster and cool to be all offended about people ruining the story for you nowadays. It reminds me of [this skit from Portlandia](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dM0AI5T4wYo).

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ISiddiqui](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/97f17d/32.png) [@ISiddiqui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ISiddiqui)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anne-hathaway-spoiled-the-ending-of-les-miserables-on-the-daily-show/646476/53 "2013-01-08T16:13:49Z")

</div>

> [@PacifistPorcupine](#):
>
> It’s a 150 year old book, or a 30+ year old play. I’m perfectly cool with what she did.

Basically this. I think it is difficult to ask people to please don’t discuss a classic work because some folks may not have seen the new adaptation in theaters

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anne-hathaway-spoiled-the-ending-of-les-miserables-on-the-daily-show/646476/54 "2013-01-08T16:15:14Z")

</div>

Eh, whatever. Sure, it’s fine to not like spoilers, except it makes you “odd” and “weird” and “hipster” to be that way.

As I said, it’s mostly my responsibility to avoid them. I just ask for a little respect, is all. Don’t like spoilers? Don’t watch the interviews with the stars…but also, don’t be like my friend that spoiled the end of Book 6 of Harry Potter as she was handing it to me to read for the first time.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anne-hathaway-spoiled-the-ending-of-les-miserables-on-the-daily-show/646476/55 "2013-01-08T16:16:22Z")

</div>

> [@PacifistPorcupine](#):
>
> It’s a 150 year old book, or a 30+ year old play. I’m perfectly cool with what she did.

Agreed. I’ve never read the book, seen the play or films and I know the basic plot, that people die, etc. How? because I live in a world where people discuss literature, film and Broadway shows.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anne-hathaway-spoiled-the-ending-of-les-miserables-on-the-daily-show/646476/56 "2013-01-08T16:23:54Z")

</div>

It might be a 150 year old book but right NOW it is a lot more likely to have people interested in it than in the previous 150 years. If it wasn’t currently in theaters there wouldn’t be a problem with spoiling it, but it’s nothing but a dick move to do it at the one time people that might not have been exposed to it might be interested. You had 150 years to talk about it, time to shut your trap now.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anne-hathaway-spoiled-the-ending-of-les-miserables-on-the-daily-show/646476/57 "2013-01-08T16:24:23Z")

</div>

> [@Anaamika](#):
>
> As I said, it’s mostly my responsibility to avoid them. I just ask for a little respect, is all. Don’t like spoilers? Don’t watch the interviews with the stars…but also, don’t be like my friend that spoiled the end of Book 6 of Harry Potter as she was handing it to me to read for the first time.

Well, I think that’s a different kettle of fish and your friend was gauche to do that. However, if it were 30 years from now, I don’t think it would be nearly as critical.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Cumbrian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce7236/32.png) [@Cumbrian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cumbrian)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anne-hathaway-spoiled-the-ending-of-les-miserables-on-the-daily-show/646476/58 "2013-01-08T16:31:14Z")

</div>

> [@RealityChuck](#):
>
> I’ve known the endings of _The Crying Game, Psycho, King Kong, It’s a Wonderful Life_\*\*\* and dozens of films made from books I already have read and I still enjoyed them just as much. And a [recent study](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-14521627) indicates this is true of everyone. Spoilers don’t necessarily ruin the experience, and the current moral outrage about them is ridiculous.

Do you really know the end of The Crying Game\* - or do you know the famous bit that happens in the middle? There’s quite a lot of the film still to happen after it’s revealed that it’s a sled.

\*Assumes you haven’t seen The Crying Game. If you have, you probably do know the ending.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anne-hathaway-spoiled-the-ending-of-les-miserables-on-the-daily-show/646476/59 "2013-01-08T16:37:01Z")

</div>

> [@Anaamika](#):
>
> Hey I knew about Darth but managed to totally not discover the identity of the Emperor until I watched the movies. I really didn’t know, and I am VERY good at avoiding spoilers most of the time.

That was supposed to be a surprise? Fans were calling the Emperor by his name back in the 1980’s.

You know who else dies in the end? Eric Roberts’s character in the Expendables!Moses in Deuteronomy!Gwynplaine!Anne Frank!No, seriously, it’s a Hugo novel. I think those are designed to run to the end of the main characters’s lives one way or another. That’s not a spoiler, it’s a question on a Literature class quiz.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anne-hathaway-spoiled-the-ending-of-les-miserables-on-the-daily-show/646476/60 "2013-01-08T16:44:26Z")

</div>

Good grief, I’ve forgotten how to form plural genitives.

[Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anne-hathaway-spoiled-the-ending-of-les-miserables-on-the-daily-show/646476.md?page=2)

[Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anne-hathaway-spoiled-the-ending-of-les-miserables-on-the-daily-show/646476.md?page=4)
