A Christmas Carol
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Movie Reviews of A Christmas Carol
Movie Review: My favorite adaptation of my favorite Christmas tale
Summary: 5 Stars
Christmas just isn't Christmas unless you watch at least one version of A Christmas Carol, and this is by far my favorite. George C. Scott gives one of the greatest performances I have ever seen an actor give; he truly becomes Ebenezer Scrooge to the fullest degree possible. Scott can say more with just the slightest hint of a facial movement than many actors can say during the course of an entire movie. All of the performers here are excellent, bringing to life adored characters such as Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and Scrooge's nephew Fred. All four spirits are remarkable, none more so than Scrooge's old partner Jacob Marley; having Marley's jaw drop after untying the burial cloth holding his mouth closed is an important aspect of the story and certainly does make an impression on the viewer. This is just one example of the moviemakers' faithfulness to Charles Dickens' original story; another would be the inclusion of the two miserable children, Ignorance and Want, beneath the robes of the Ghost of Christmas Present.This timeless tale works extremely well on its own, but the unsurpassed acting skills of Scott make it almost more than real. The change wrought in him during the course of the night, as he changes from a man of crass materialism and unkindness to a repentant soul pleading for a chance to change his ways, is powerfully presented and really touches the viewer emotionally. The simple happiness revealed in the lives of Bob Cratchit and others are as heart-warming as the forgotten mistakes and pains of a younger Scrooge are agonizing. If there is any heart out there that is not touched by the goodness and courage of Tiny Tim, I don't even want to know about it. No matter how many times you watch this movie, it proves itself capable of bringing a tear to your eye, a lump in your throat, and ultimately the very spirit of true holiday cheer and Christian charity that Dickens intended it to convey.
I cannot say I have seen every adaptation of A Christmas Carol, but I really cannot believe any other version could exceed the quality and emotional impact of this one. No matter how many times I read the story or watch the movie, it remains a source of eternal joy to me. This is more than a movie for me; it is an important and necessary part of each and every Christmas holiday season.
Movie Review: Living Proof -- TV CAN be great
Summary: 5 Stars
Acting doesn't get any closer to art than in George C. Scott's portrayal of the immortal miser, Ebenezer Scrooge. His performance is so good that it made me forget his turn as "Patton" -- and I didn't think anything could do that. I saw this on TV when it came out in 1985 and got it for Xmas (go figure) in 2001, and it holds up perfectly, always the mark of a true classic. There have been several versions of this Dickens tale, most notably by Alistair Sim and Patrick Stewart, and even a "modernized" version with Bill Murray ("Scrooged") but this is the best. The Sim version had elements which were written specifically for the movie, while Stewart went the opposite route and tried to reproduce the story as it was originally written. Here, however, the producers were clearly going for the essence of the story, with some of the more tedious, dated, and melodramatic elements eliminated. Scott's interpretation of Scrooge is that of a bitter, isolated man who has forgotten that he is a member of the human race. Long ago, he had all the elements that would have made a great and happy man, but he chose the path of financial success instead. Over the course of the three visitations from the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet To Come, he is battered back into contact with his own humanity. What makes this familiar tale so much better this time around is the acting -- Scott, faced with the revelations about his nature, is like a general trying to hold his (moral) ground at all costs. Watching him crumble by degrees leaves you awestruck by the depth of his acting ability. By the time the last ghost shows him his desolate, abandoned grave, we feel we have seen the character in sum -- good, bad, and ugly qualities all brutally exposed. And when he wakes up the next morning, his transformation seems real and appropriate, not forced. Of course, Scott is backed up by a first-class cast, with especially good performances by David Warner and Edward Woodward, but in fact there are no weak links in the acting. Furthermore, the production is excellent, more suited to a big-screen release than a TV movie. In fact, it's hard to believe this wasn't a feature film. If TV produced more like this, it might actually be worth watching.Movie Review: Why (Officially) I Love This Movie!
Summary: 5 Stars
Every winter, I enjoy watching A Christmas Carol on TV whenever I can, and the 1984 version is my favorite. The production and performances add up to a moody, realistic and touching adaptation of the Charles Dickens' classic.Director Clive Donner (editor of the much celebrated 1951 Alastair Sim version of Scrooge) presents a stunningly authentic recreation of Dickens' London. From effectively foggy streets to Ebenezer's own cobwebbed-infested manor, Donner provides a gritty, appropriately dark atmosphere, enhanced by the wonderful score.
The film's pacing is exquisite. In showing Ebenezer the error of his ways, the filmmakers give equal time to his past, present and future, never once lingering to the point of boredom. Thus the story seems to fly by compared to the other adaptations.
George C. Scott is excellent as Scrooge. Like all of those who've portrayed the character, his old miser starts out mean and bitter and ends up joyous and thankful! But throughout his performance, true sadness runs deep. Scott makes his emotional transformation subtle, painting a realistic portrait of a man haunted by the mistakes of his past, taking his pain out on the world.
But what separates the 1984 production of Christmas Carol from all others is the terrific supporting cast. David Warner may give the warmest performance of his career as Bob Cratchet (all the more poignant considering the many villains he's played over the years). Frank Finlay is the most compelling Jacob Marley I've ever seen. You can almost feel this man's torture just by gazing upon his unblinking expression. Edward Woodward brings great depth to the Ghost of Christmas Present, communicating tremendous power, yet just the right touch of humor. Finally, this adaptation of the Dickens' tale features the scariest, most intimidating Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come you'll find anywhere!
Most of us look forward to a healthy dose of A Christmas Carol at the end of each year and we all have our favorite version. Thanks to the handsome production values, expert pacing and perfect cast, led by the magnificent George C. Scott, I believe they truly got it right in 1984!
Movie Review: Best. Scrooge movie. Ever. Period. End of review.
Summary: 5 Stars
Well, almost the end.
I have seen every version there is and am delighted to report that this particular one stands head and shoulders above all the rest, for all the reasons elsewhere herein articulated. I would add that the remarks about George C. Scott supposedly "overacting" produced a wide grin of bemusement; for a true example of overacting the role of Ebenezer Scrooge--even whilst being remarkably reined in--see Carrey, first name Jim. (One of my favorite comic actors of all time but utterly and embarrassingly miscast for this role. He never says "bah" or "humbug" one time either, which itself is a humbug, almost sacrilege for A Christmas Carol. Sorry, Jim. >:^D)
There is no hyperbole in stating that George C. Scott was arguably one of the best if not the best actor of our age. Mr. Scott yet stands as the sine qua non of the dramatic art and the standard against which nearly all others may be judged (IMHO, though I clearly am not alone in this assessment). He embodies and then conveys the "spirit" of his characters as well as anyone could imagine it being done, and none moreso than his elaborately nuanced depiction of the miserly Scrooge. All the other actors in the film, as well as the set designers, costumers and directors, do their jobs convincingly enough that we find ourselves completely enmeshed in the picture, almost as if it WERE 3-D--only minus the clumsy glasses and without all the characters' skin resembling latex rubber.
This has to be one of the all-time quality champions of low-budget filmmaking. So well done is it that a heart as cold and hard as Scrooge's must beat in the chest of any not moved to at least one tear whilst watching this glorious treasure. It has definitely become a cherished part of our holiday season, as our family curls up in delicious anticipation with the hot chocolate beside a crackling fire every Christmas Eve without fail to revel in this story's transcendent message and in the majesty of a cinematic masterwork. In the words of Bob Cratchit, "A triumph, my dear, another triumph!"
Enjoy!
Movie Review: Thanks Be For The Love Of Family And Friends!
Summary: 5 Stars
There have been numerous and different versions of this classic tale through the years, but never has there been one that drives home the message of how important it is to have caring and loving family, friends, and associates in our lives. Were it not for Jacob Marley's ghostly visit out of concern for Scrooge's redemption, his cheerful nephew Fred Holywell's persistent devotion to staying in touch with his unfriendly Uncle, and even Bob Cratchit's unending patience and submissive obedience as the devoted employee, then old Scrooge would truly have been doomed to his dark, heartless and loveless life forever. Superbly acted, beautifully scored and filmed, this version will enlighten you to just what Dickinson was trying to say as no version ever has. Without a doubt born to play the title character, George C. Scott is the ultimate Scrooge, his every ugly look and wicked verbal statement perfectly played, and his take on the gradual softening and redemption of this hard, old man is a wonder to behold. Roger Rees is simply outstanding as Scrooge's loving and caring nephew, Fred Holywell, and their scenes together after Scrooge's redemption has firmly taken hold are beautiful and tear-inducing. Edward Woodward's Ghost of Christmas Present is fabulous, and he more than holds his own in his scenes with Scott. His verbal throw-backs, sarcastic wit, and total physical presence are worth watching time and again. David Warner beautifully underplays the oppressed Bob Cratchit, with a truly heartfelt and caring attitude towards his tough-as-nails employer. And watch for the under-appreciated Susannah York as the feistiest and most honest Mrs. Cratchit ever! The entire production is a gem, through and through. Your Christmas won't be complete until you sit down with family and friends and watch this from beginning to end. Turn off the phone and the computer, lock the front door, put away your pagers, cellphones and anything else that might interrupt you, and REALLY WATCH this beauty! You won't be the same, ever again.