Alas, we have come to our final movie selection for the term. Looking ahead to the time after exams, we have the exciting and refreshing holiday season, so much so that I will not have the chance to write this column! What does this mean? It’s time for a little taste of what’s to come: Christmas/holiday freedom, and of course an old Christmas Classic.
A Christmas Carol, (1938) is a film adaptation of the novel by Charles Dickens.Though movies based on books are not often true to the story, this one is quite the exception. If you’ve read (and liked) the book, you will certainly appreciate this movie. For those of you who have been unfortunate enough to have suffered through corrupted film adaptations of A Christmas Carol, allow me to enlighten you on the real story.
The story is set in London around Christmas time. Ebenezer Scrooge is a filthy rich businessman who works his lone employee, Bob Cratchett, to the bone whilst paying him next to nothing. Scrooge refuses to believe in the giving spirit of Christmas, and has zero sympathy for the poor and hungry. Bob Cratchett has a wife and several children, including the crippled Tiny Tim, who struggles with his health. The Cratchetts are a poor family, living only off their father’s meager wages. On Christmas Eve, Bob spends his daily salary on food for a special Christmas dinner, bringing great joy to the family.
Meanwhile, Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley. Jacob tells Ebenezer that he must change his selfish ways to avoid becoming like himself after death. The portrayal of Marley is quite interesting: He is weighed down with heavy metal chains, undoubtedly a metaphor for the ruthlessness and lack of generosity he demonstrated as a selfish businessman throughout his life. Jacob explains that Ebenezer is to be visited by three ghosts, who will guide him, and if he listens to them, he will be saved.
Reginald Owen plays the role of Ebenezer Scrooge and does a most excellent job. He makes quite a convincing selfish businessman, in not only his speaking and actions but also more subtly, in his body language and facial expressions. This makes many scenes funny and truly works to engage the audience. As a viewer, it feels as though you really want to see if it is indeed actually possible for Scrooge to change.
Another remarkable strength of the movie is the set. It very closely resembles nineteenth century London gearing up for Christmas. For us in 2012, the black and white certainly gives us this throwback impression, as should the snow on the ground. However, the shops and houses in the city are old and often run down, as they often were throughout the Industrial Revolution.
The wrap-up: This film is a Christmas Classic that can be relied on when it the time comes for entertainment over the holidays. Why take a chance with other re-makes or new/possibly corrupt/children’s Christmas movies? This one is for everyone.
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