It would be difficult to find someone who doesn’t know the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Jacob Marley, and the three ghosts of Christmas. The classic tale, penned by the brilliant Charles Dickens nearly two centuries ago, is a staple during the holiday season and has been told and retold on film hundreds of times with different elements and angles in attempt to keep it fresh. One of the best renditions comes courtesy of the 2009 Disney release “A Christmas Carol.”
Though an immensely popular story, for everyone that has doubtless seen some variation or another of the movie, as many have never read the actual book. I read the original unabridged version last Christmas and, as a writer, found myself hating Mr. Dickens for having the superior talent to have created it.
First published on this date in 1843, the fable is an astounding 171 years old and unlike so many other classics of yesteryear, is just as relevant now as it was then. Try to imagine a time just 60 years after the Revolutionary War, and 20 years before the presidency of Abraham Lincoln. Everyone from Hallmark television to Bill Murray to The Muppets has produced their own rendition. Even films known for all time holiday greatness such as “It’s a Wonderful Life” borrow themes and elements from “Carol.”
This computer animated version of the story features a star-lined cast, though many, myself included, could find themselves a bit skeptical of the lead. Jim Carrey is a Hollywood A-Lister for sure, but has forged a name for himself with his goofy slapstick movies and all around buffoonery. Carrey is tasked with the voice roles of Ebenezer Scrooge and each of the three ghosts that haunt him. Shockingly, Carrey manages to pull off the more serious nature of the parts in a splendid fashion.
Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this version of the story holds pretty close to the original Dickens novella. While glossing over some of the more in depth character histories (as movies are always forced to do) the animation and cinematography are a thing of awe and wonder. Zemeckis and crew bring a perfect rendition of 1800’s London to the screen, and will make the viewer instantly feel like angst that they don’t reside in Scrooge’s town.
The arrival of Jacob Marley is done in a perfect way, as he successfully terrifies Scrooge with the prospect of a grim afterlife. The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future are all mirror images of the way Dickens intended them to be. Each carries their own distinctive features and charm, and each delivers their impactful message to the miser.
Joining Carey behind the mic are Academy Award nominee Gary Oldman, portraying Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and the ghost of Jacob Marley. Rounding out the cast is Robin Wright Penn, Cary Elwes, and the great Bob Hoskins.
The original story is filled with some horror elements often forgotten in the creation of a family based Christmas piece. While some parts have some haunting type images, Disney manages to water them down and follow them up with goofs and silliness that keep the movie at level suitable for most ages. Personally, I would like to see a version that includes more of the backstory and keeps the mood plugged at somber, but as far as fun Christmas movies, this one is a winner.
A Christmas Carol will go down as one of the greatest works of literature ever created. The story is simply brilliant and I implore everyone to find a copy and take time out of the busy holiday season to read it. As we all take in hundreds of viewings of movies that base themselves around the original, “A Christmas Carol” is one of the better ones you will find.
by – Matt Christopher
