Musings

This 1954 version was a television version. I have absolutely no doubt that it is a favorite of many, mostly from memory. It is charming, and Fredric March is always fun to watch. That said, it is a loose adaptation that relies on people knowing A CHRISTMAS CAROL to fill it in. They only had an hour to tell the story, and they used a lot of it for songs. Not terrible songs, but still a lot of them.

There are no scenes of Scrooge the boy, instead we jump right into Fezziwig scenes. The Ghost of Christmas Past is also Belle, and she sings operatically aka a Jeanette MacDonald/Nelson Eddy moment with the young Scrooge. The Ghost of Christmas Present is also Fred the nephew. His song is long, and he dances around in tights which is not how I like to think of the Ghost of Christmas Present. The whole show is set up to make you really think it was all a dream.

The best part of the show is Basil Rathbone as Marley. Thankfully he didn’t sing, just haunted Scrooge. And did very well indeed.

 

I have very mixed feelings about the 2009 Jim Carrey/Robert Zemeckis animated version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. First of all, animated isn’t really the term I would use, since (having watched the “Making Of” extra on the DVD) the actors did the scenes wearing sci fi suits and dots on their faces so they could be imaged into a computer. It is truly paradigm shifting technology. And though it gives me the creeps a bit, it does open up tons of potential for story telling, since elements can be drawn in, rather than built.

In the bonus features they talk about  realizing Dickens story fully for the first time on film because of this technology. I disagree, as this blog attests. In fact, there are times when the technology gets in the way of a good adaptation. I love that they put in some elements that usually aren’t shown, like Scrooge stifling the light of the Ghost of Christmas Past. But then he takes off and rockets around. I wonder if Disney asked Mr. Zemeckis to add 3D to this version, or if it was his idea. I wish they hadn’t done it–those are the scenes I dislike the most. The reaching out by Christmas Future, the racing down drainpipes scenes are another example. In my opinion, they take away from the story. And there are also issues of when is Scrooge able to interact/touch things and when is he not? How can he ride an icicle if he is a shadow?

And there are some really dark elements, like the Ghost of Christmas Future’s demise. Dust to dust taken to a new, slightly horrifying level. And because of this version I had to explain a straight jacket to an eight year old, which wasn’t easy or fun.

Those are the minuses. There are some pluses. A great cast. Jim Carrey is over the top, but is that surprising? And it works, for the most part. They are true to the story, and able to tell it in an interesting way. The technology works best for me in the Ghost of Christmas Present scenes (minus his death) where they are hovering over places for this visitations.

What does everyone else think? I wouldn’t discourage anyone from watching it, but I do think that they diluted some of their own magic by taking it over the top. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

These Barbie movies are a fairly recent phenomena that likely alludes most of you unless you have small children (more than likely girls, but I am not going to assume) in your life. I am fortunate enough to be an aunt, and therefore Barbie’s CHRISTMAS CAROL is on my viewing list. And you know, it isn’t half bad.

Another show biz version of the story (what is it about show biz that lends itself to so many CHRISTMAS CAROL adaptations?), Eden is the name of our Scrooge in this version. Catherine is Bob Cratchit (her assistant) and Tammy is an orphan who is this version’s Tiny Tim. All of the elements are there, telling the story of Eden’s redemption.

My nieces loved this version, which is the important thing. And I liked it fine, which makes its multiple viewings tolerable.

When you mention DIVA’S CHRISTMAS CAROL to people they nod, smile and stay silent. But not the “I have nothing to say” sort of silent. Instead it is the “you first” silence. The “I don’t want to go out this limb, but I hate to admit it but I like it” silence. Vanessa Williams is Ebony, the Scrooge of this version. One gets the sense that the writer is a Supremes fan, since VW reminded me of Diana Ross. A lot.

The rest of the cast has an equally strong POV. Kathy Griffith is the Ghost of Christmas Past. John Taylor is the Ghost of Christmas Present. The Ghost of Christmas Future is actually an episode of “Behind the Music”.

This could be a train wreck. And yet. This version has the spirit of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. A cute Tiny Tim. A Scrooge who doesn’t see the need for change. A strong redemption. Even some tears at the end.

I find that the best CHRISTMAS CAROLs really explain why Scrooge became Scrooge, and this version does that very well. It is interesting that her Belle is Bob Cratchett [sic], and that Bob is married to someone else.

I think this version is fab. There, I said it. A fun update with enough gravitas to allow it to resonate. The story of the trio where one person shoots to fame is familiar enough to keep it from getting too dated. And the show business background is fun. Highly recommended.

Rewatching CHRISTMAS CAROL: THE MOVIE with my critical eye was an experience. Every other time I’ve seen it my nieces have been with me, and I don’t know that I’ve paid close attention. This time I was alone, and because of this blog I was focussed.

First, this is an animated version with an unbelievable vocal cast. Simon Callow is Scrooge, Kate Winslet is Belle, Michael Gambon is the Ghost of Christmas Present, Juliet Stevenson is Mrs. Cratchit, Nicholas Cage is Marley.  It is directed by Jimmy Murakami. Some reviews I read called out the animation, but I think it is wonderful. Simple but beautiful. And some of the scenes (like the travels with the Ghost of Christmas Present spreading cheer) are really wonderful.

There are liberties with the story. There are mice (they actually play a role). Old Joe is basically Scrooge’s repo man. We see debtors going to prison, including a doctor who runs the hospital where Belle works. Scrooge throws a bucket of water on a caroling Tiny Tim (which ultimately causes his death). Everything is familiar, but different. We get a real sense that Belle leaving Scrooge is what undid him.

If you watch this version on DVD, go to the special features and watch the theatrical beginning, then start the movie. And then at the end go and watch the theatrical ending.

An interesting rethinking of the story, worth watching.