A Christmas Carol
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Movie Reviews of A Christmas Carol
Movie Review: One of Two Great Adaptations
Summary: 5 Stars
George C. Scott gave many unforgettable performances, but perhaps his most memorable is that of Ebenezer Scrooge in this 1984 TV movie. At the time of its release, Scott openly admitted that, when he began work on the film, he knew he was operating in the shadow of Alastair Sim, who had made the role of Scrooge his own in the 1951 British film classic. Sim was the first film actor to seriously approach the character and to play him as a real, multi-dimensional human being whom we find detestable in the beginning, but likable and somewhat tragic in the end. Because Sim's version had been considered definitive for more than 30 years, Scott was facing not only a challenging acting assignment, but also Sim's well-deserved reputation and recognition as Scrooge. Thus, Scott's magnificent performance is all the more remarkable. He too breathes life into the character and arouses the audience's interest in him. Few actors could have seduced audiences into temporarily forgetting Sim and viewing Scrooge as a new character, but Scott did it. In his hands Scrooge's life becomes real and meaningful - sad, tragic and, in the end, joyful. The film itself is easily the most beautiful production of the story ever preserved on film and it boasts the best supporting cast, led by David Warner, Edward Woodward, Frank Finlay, Roger Rees, and Susannah York. Sim and Scott left two indelible portraits of Dickens' wonderful character in two stellar film adaptations. We are fortunate to be able to enjoy both of them.Movie Review: The Best All Around Version of a Christmas Classic!
Summary: 5 Stars
Some people are under the impression that this is an American production of A Christmas Carol while others (namely the 1951 Alastair Sim version) are British. Truth is, while the George C. Scott 1984 version was televised on an American network, it was filmed on location in England, and presents an effectively murky, gritty atmosphere where other versions, including the most recent Patrick Stewart version, look a little too "pretty".Perhaps most telling is that the director of the 1984 Christmas Carol is Clive Donner. Not only is he British, but he was also the editor of the 1951 version...the very same Scrooge featuring Alastair Sim's acclaimed performance! This indicates that Donner had a unique perspective when he decided to revisit A Christmas Carol. He could easily have chosen to tell the tale just as it was done in 1951, but he diverted slightly. Thus, the George C. Scott production is much more atmospheric and concentrates a little more on Scrooge's present and future whereas the Sim version devoted way too much time on Scrooge's past. In giving Scrooge's past, present and future equal time, Donner is able to depict Scrooge's emotional tranformation convincingly and realistically (having George C. Scott doesn't hurt either).
The 1951 production of Scrooge: A Christmas Carol will always have Alastair Sim's celebrated performance, but this 1984 production has become the definitive film version of the Dickens classic!
Movie Review: The Best Adaptation on Film Thus Far
Summary: 5 Stars
With Christmas on the way, I just wanted to add my two cents on some of my favorite Christmas movies. This adaptation of "A Christmas Carol" is the best one I've viewed so far. Not only is George C. Scott wonderful as Scrooge, but the film contains great performances by others in the cast as well.
I love the look of the film, the costuming, and the period appropriate music. I liked how this film fleshed out several of the "background" characters - "old Fezziwig", Fred (Scrooge'e nephew), Belle (the lost love of Scrooge) - even the main character of the "Ghost of Christmas Present" is given much more depth. I especially enjoy some of the humor of the story (at Scrooge's expense) that is seldom brought out in previous films - such as the "Christmas Dinner" scene in the Cratchit home while Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Present are looking on. The interplay between Scrooge and the Ghost is quite humorous during this scene.
The "party scene" in Scrooge's nephew's home is quite entertaining as well.
As someone else has said, this film has become a part of their Christmas season celebration. I would agree with that for me as well. If you've never seen it - get it and watch it with your Christmas tree shining brightly in the corner and bucket of popcorn and your favorite drink. You'll experience a wonderful Christmas treat if you do. Merry Christmas!
Movie Review: Powerful Variation
Summary: 5 Stars
George C. Scott has created a slightly different variation on Scrooge. Even though most of the dialogue was familiar, in this version they always seemed to err on the side of less. Instead of running some of the familiar lines from the book they used either facial expressions and actions or just moved on with the story. These choices made for a much more powerful experience for me. I can see now why some reviewers say that they watch this version at times other than Christmas. There were also different scenes placed in this version that I hadn't seen before. But even the common scenes from all the versions were scaled back slightly and paced more deliberately.
The Alastair Sim version is also marvelous and I highly recommend it. I'm not saying I like this version better than the Sim version; it's just that this version created a much different experience for me. Just be prepared to be involved in this version at a much deeper level than the 1951 version.
In addition to George C. Scott, all the actors were incredible. Perhaps the skills of the supporting cast are where some of the other versions fall short. The actors for Marley and Tiny Tim were especially superb. The nephew was masterfully done but also mannered slightly different than what I was familiar with.
My final word is that this version was written, performed and filmed perfectly. Nicely done.
Movie Review: The best version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, bar none
Summary: 5 Stars
This is, without question, the best version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL ever made. This is true not only in the production department, including acting, direction, music, etc., but also in its accuracy to Dickens' literary masterwork. I have seen many different versions of this story with varying degrees of enjoyment, and this is the one to which I always return as the touchstone against which all others must be compared.Charles Dickens set out to write a ghost story, complete with thrill, chills, and scares, set at Christmastide, which would shine with the true meaning of the holiday by the end. This version gives both the chills and the hope which Dickens wove into his story effectively and believably. The funereal opening on Christmas Eve gives way to the bright glories of Christmas Day, just as Ebenezer Scrooge's outlook on life blossoms from dismal to hopeful.
Although George C. Scott's masterful performance is the centre-piece of this production, he is surrounded by wonderful elements in all aspects of the film. From Clive Donner's excellent direction, and Nick Bicát's brooding score, to Roger Hirson's marvelous screenplay, and the wonderful cast supporting Scott, the list of great achievements goes on and on, with no detail being overlooked. This is a must for any holiday film collection. Do yourself a favour and get it as soon as possible.