A Christmas Carol
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Movie Reviews of A Christmas Carol
Movie Review: The definitive retelling of Dickens' classic novel.
Summary: 5 Stars
A wondrous spectacle of the famed holiday classic that may have done better as a theatrical release, Clive Donner's television rendition of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" is perhaps the most successful version of the oft-told story. Featuring a handsome production design that outshines many other television movies, a delightful and poignant performance from George C. Scott, and a trio of ghosts that supply real fright, this is one adaptation that captures the heart of the novel with impressive results. The story of Ebenezer Scrooge is made much more emotionally pliable under Scott's acting, who brings out of the very cruelest qualities in Scrooge. Most importantly, he convinces us that Scrooge's miserly ways stem from a lack of love in life rather than from sheer hatred for much of mankind and their celebration of Christmas. His despicable treatment of his secretary, Bob Cratchit, and his refusal to lend charitable assistance have made him an icon of his town, much to the dismissal of Cratchit as well as his own nephew, Fred Holywell, who believes there must be some good in his miserable uncle.
One fateful Christmas Eve, Ebenezer is visited by his deceased partner, Jacob Marley, set up superbly through a series of bump-in-the-night chills throughout his cold, empty mansion, and ghostly apparitions and voices that are truly frightening. Warned of his fate, he is later visited by three spirits at the strokes of one and two o'clock, with a third that will appear in due time.
The visitations of these spirits provide us the sometimes gleeful, but always uneasy life of Ebenezer, whose childhood centered around the disdain of his father, and whose adolescence began his growing obsession with financial security over all else. With each visit comes a window into the past, the present, and the future, at which point he must decide whether or not he wishes to continue in his unfriendly ways and die alone and unloved.
The challenge of retelling such a well-known story, especially one that has been committed to film numerous times, is giving is a fresh feel. Donner has achieved this through his elegant production design, his great cast, and his reliance on the original source material. This version above all others is able to capture Scrooge's life in convincing detail, emotionally and physically. The fact that his father had an influence on his adult ways furthers our understanding of his attitude towards others; throughout the course of the night, each spirit's revelation deepens our sympathy for him, and our hope for his repentance.
Casting Scott in the main role lends much to that success: his versatility as an actor provides the character a unique and magnificent portrayal unmatched by all others to date. As Bob Cratchit, David Warner beautifully relates his character's attention to what is most important to him rather than his hardships; Frank Finlay is eerily frightening as Marley, while Angela Pleasence and Edward Woodward mix warmth with chills as the Spirits of Christmas Past and Present, respectively.
For a television movie, this one has lofty ambitions, evident in its glorious appearance. Filmed entirely in Shrewsbury, England, Donner captures the period and history of the novel, bringing authenticity to life before our very eyes. His biggest success rests with his envisioning of the third Spirit, that which is the most frightening of the three. Each filmed version portrays the apparition in a different manner, but I have yet to see one as completely terrifying as this. Draped in black and surrounded by fog, with a mere screech as its communication, this Spirit is guaranteed to send chills up and down your spine, and is a master portrayal of Dickens' character.
Destined to be one of the great Christmas classics, this rendition of "A Christmas Carol" mixes terror and glee in equal measure for a film that captures the Dickens novel beautifully and successfully. Scott's performance remains one of the best of his career, and outshines many other portrayals of the famed miser. Donner has outdone himself with this most vivid achievement: any other version of "A Christmas Carol?" Bah, humbug!
Movie Review: None Better!
Summary: 5 Stars
I reviewed this movie a couple of years ago, but the few (too few!) sentences I wrote does not do justice to this, my all-time favorite. 'A Christmas Carol.' Is there any other story that epitomizes what the modern day Christmas celebration is all about? And who would have thought this very English fable written over 150 years ago would be every bit as alive today here in the 21st century United States as it was in 1843 England when first published? Gerald Charles Dickens, great great grandson of THE Charles Dickens, was quoted recently as saying, "The 'Carol' is 10 times more popular in America than it is in England. In England, the 'Carol' is just a story. In America the 'Carol' IS Christmas."
And, to me, THIS is THE version to watch.
The opening scene of this great version literally grabs you and pulls you into the gray, wintry Dickens London on Christmas Eve day 1843. The viewer will feel as if they were walking down the cobblestone streets of Merry Olde England, passing the street vendors hawking their wares, and hearing the carolers and street musicians singing and playing that wonderful Victorian Holiday music. Top hats and bonnets abound as the crowd of people - rich and poor alike - rush to celebrate this most Holy of Christian nights. That is, all but one. And the first image of old Ebenezer Scrooge, played here to perfection by the late great George C. Scott, will send chills down the back of even the most ardent skeptic.
Just think...if the opening scene is this good, you can just imagine how great the rest of this movie is!
I'm sure there is no need for me to explain the story line of 'A Christmas Carol,' only that, of all the versions that have been filmed, this one is by far the best and most realistic I have yet to witness.
Now what puts this version of Charles Dickens' classic tale above the others available? First and foremost, as I explained in my first review, is the feel. There is a certain ambiance here - a sort of realism - that is not present in the others. As stated previously, you, as the viewer, are drawn into the movie as a willing participant to the events happening about you. Given that this movie was filmed not on a stage set in Hollywood, but in and around actual buildings that were standing during the period in which this story takes place alone gives this version an edge the others can't touch. And the authentic costumes are as accurate as I have seen.
Another major plus here is that Dickens' original story is followed much closer than in any of the other versions. The scriptwriters had a very easy task since they pulled a majority (but not all) of their lines directly from the book! And the casting was pert near perfect as well. In fact, the only character I felt that was miss-cast was the actor (who's name escapes me) that played the role of Scrooge's nephew, Fred. Not toward the beginning of the film when he's inviting his uncle to dine with him, but toward the end when Uncle Ebenezer IS dining with him. A bit of over-acting here. A small blip ever so minor that, because of just how phenomenal the rest of the movie is, one would hardly notice. Not enough to lower any part of the score!
The Ghost of Jacob Marley tears at your heart, for the believability factor here is high that this specter is truly wrenching in pain and sorrow for his life's deeds. And the Ghost of Christmas Present, with his sarcastic wit, easily puts Scrooge in his place simply by using Scrooge's own lack of common sense and lack of courtesy against him.
Virtually everything about this version of 'A Christmas Carol' surpasses its predecessors. All the 'Carols,' before and since, have been good to very good. But this George C. Scott ranks far above them all. I don't think even Masterpiece Theater - the greatest at filming Dickens' stories - could do better.
(By the way, if you're ever in Michigan in December, come check out the Holly Dickens Festival in Holly, Michigan, where the 'Carol' with its characters are brought to life by street actors in this quaint 19th century village! It's FREE!)
Movie Review: This Is "The" Christmas Carol
Summary: 5 Stars
This 1984 version of the Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol," directed by Clive Donner, stars George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge. By this time around, the challenge for the filmmaker was to take such familiar material and make it seem fresh and new again; and, happily to say, with this film Donner not only met the challenge but surpassed any expectations anyone might have had for it. He tells the story with precision and an eye to detail, and extracts performances from his actors that are nothing less than superlative, especially Scott. One could argue that the definitive portrayal of Scrooge-- one of the best known characters in literary fiction, ever-- was created by Alastair Sim in the 1951 film; but I think with his performance here, Scott has now achieved that distinction. There is such a purity and honesty in his Scrooge that it becomes difficult to even consider anyone else in the role once you've seen Scott do it; simply put, he IS Scrooge. And what a tribute it is to such a gifted actor; to be able to take such a well known figure and make it so uniquely his own is quite miraculous. It is truly a joy to see an actor ply his trade so well, to be able to make a character so real, from every word he utters down to the finest expression of his face, and to make it all ring so true. It's a study in perfection. The other members of the cast are splendid as well, but then again they have to be in order to maintain the integrity of Scott's performance; and they do. Frank Finlay is the Ghost of Jacob Marley; a notable turn, though not as memorable, perhaps, as the one by Alec Guinness (as Marley) in the film, "Scrooge." Angela Pleasence is a welcome visage as the Spirit of Christmas Past; Edward Woodward, grand and boisterous, and altogether convincing as the Spirit of Christmas Present; and Michael Carter, grim and menacing as the Spirit of Christmas Yet To Come. David Warner hits just the right mark with his Bob Cratchit, bringing a sincerity to the role that measures up well to the standard of quality set by Scott's Scrooge, and Susannah York fares just as well as Mrs. Cratchit. The real gem to be found here, though, is the performance of young Anthony Walters as Tiny Tim; it's heartfelt without ever becoming maudlin, and simply one of the best interpretations-- and the most real-- ever presented on film. The excellent supporting cast includes Roger Rees (Fred Holywell, and also the narrator of the film), Caroline Langrishe (Janet Holywell), Lucy Gutteridge (Belle), Michael Gough (Mr. Poole) and Joanne Whalley (Fan). A flawless presentation, this version of "A Christmas Carol" sets the standard against which all others must be gauged; no matter how many versions you may have seen, watching this one is like seeing it for the first time ever. And forever after, whenever you think of Scrooge, the image your mind will conjure up will be that of George C. Scott. A thoroughly entertaining and satisfying experience, this film demands a place in the annual schedule of the holiday festivities of every home.Movie Review: Scrooge's Finest Hour
Summary: 5 Stars
To offer a fresh take on one of the most well known tales ever told, one had better have a solid leading man, and one had better be prepared to inject something new or invigorating into the story. Fortunately for this 1984 adaptation of A Christmas Carol, casting George C. Scott as Scrooge and adapting the script accordingly proved not only to work, but also to elevate the nearly irreproachable source material.
It's a tall order to improve upon a story powerful enough to intrigue scores of children even from non-English speaking countries, but Scott and Co. do this with aplomb. What's to add to the grumpy old man, Jacob Marley and the three spirits, the playback of a life and prophecy of impending doom, and the regeneration that follows? George got it right: Scrooge shouldn't be just a grumpy old man - there are scores of grumpy old men all around us; what makes old Ebenezer worthy of this supernatural intervention? - he should be downright evil.
The mote of a problem with Dickens' novel is, quite simply, that Scrooge caves in too quickly. Some memories Christmas Past throws back in his face turn him back into clay most pliant, and we see his road to repentance a little too clearly and a little too quickly. One-hundred forty one years later a film's cast and crew show undeniable evidence - not to mention courage - of seeing this problem clearly and correcting it, while still relaying the calculated sentimentality so palpable in the novel.
Here, Scrooge isn't just cantankerous; he is icy and utterly immovable, and just plain mean. Most of the extra-biblical dialogue works to the betterment of the story. There's a scene early on when Scrooge visits the `change, and gouges some buyers into buying corn at an exorbitant price. Coming on the heels of his departure from his office where he complained to his employee of having to pay him "so handsomely," the message here seems to be that there's a little bit of hypocrisy lurking not just in Scrooge, but in all of us.
This new approach to Scrooge required alterations in the other roles also, most notably the spirits, who must be rougher than we've seen before. Edward Woodward as Christmas Present is grandiose, overwrought, and brilliant. The famous speech about ignorance and want, instead of a well-worded but faintly mealy-mouthed entreaty, scans as a death sentence, which is exactly how Dickens intended it to be.
To say the least, the happy denouement is as convincing as Scrooge in his most errant state. The transformation wrought upon Scrooge is completely rewarding to the viewer, due to the many good choices made throughout the film. The acting is good all around, but this is clearly Scott's film. May "The George C. Scott Version" haunt you pleasantly, and no one wish to lay it.
Movie Review: This one is the best adaptation of Dickens
Summary: 5 Stars
It is not an easy thing at all to take a literary masterpiece and fully adapt it to the screen or stage. In the case of this timeless classic of Dickens, it is especially true. Having just seen an operatic rendition of A Christmas Carol and being somewhat disappointed in the adaptation, I have now seen five different efforts to adapt Dickens' written work to either stage or screen. This particular effort, while not perfect, is still the best effort yet attempted.It is clear that casting George C Scott in the role of Scrooge may single-handedly elevate this adaptation above all others. Scott is perfect for the role, and he devours it almost as if Dickens had written the character with him in mind. More than any other attempt at portraying Scrooge, Scott is extremely believable in his interpetation and therefore makes the Scrooge character riveting.
The supporting cast is also very good, as are the sets and costumes that compellingly take the audience on a convincing journey back in time. Edward Woodward in particular, is outstanding in his role.
As with many Christmas stories that have a decidedly religious element to them, there is always the very clear issue of how far modern adaptations will go in trying to secularize the story and downplay the religious aspects of the original work. This version of the Christmas Carol story is no exception. To its credit, this version maintains a notable amount of the overtly and covertly Christian themes that drive the story, although observant viewers will note that some of these themes, while rather overt in Dickens, become somewhat shadowy here. Scrooge's redemption at the end of the movie, while inspiring, is not overtly linked to religious salvation - which is a notable omission that the later Patrick Stewart version properly reintroduces to some degree.
But nonetheless, the moral bankruptcy of materialism, and the notable Christian themes of love, charity, compassion, a social conscience towards the poor and larger society, and contentment even in the midst of poverty are strongly portrayed in this version. The Cratchit family is correctly portrayed as a God fearing family who reads the Bible, goes to church, and displays consistent Christian values in their home. The audience is properly led to see a tragic contrast between the poor and mistreated but content Cratchit family, and the rich but tortured Scrooge.
Fantastic performances all around. It is a joyful thing to see a literary classic brought to life by inspired performances that are worthy of it. It is a joy to watch this version of A Christmas Carol every year. It is an affirmation of timeless values that the eternal God of Christianity created.