My Movie Review on A Christmas Carol (1984) (Plus, a Bonus) · 1:18am Jan 1st, 2022
Happy New Year, my friends.
This is your top-of-the-line film, TV show, and episode reporter here with another review.
Today, for the 5th and final installment of this year's "Christmas Craze", and for my final film review of 2021, I'm gonna give you guys my take of "A Christmas Carol". The 1984 adaption starring George C. Scott, to be precise.
Normally, I'd start my review off by giving you guys the overall rundown of the subject at hand. But, since this movie's merely an adaption of the book by Charles Dickens, and considering the fact that I already gave the summary when reviewing the 2009 adaption by Robert Zemeckis, I'm pretty much going to cut to the chase and skip giving the summary for this one.
I'm not gonna lie, I've been wanting to review this movie for years. Not only is this adaption the one I grew up with the most since childhood, but it's also the one I have been most fond of. Everything about it is just so incredible!
For instance, the direction by Clive Donner, and the screenplay by Roger O. Hirson, were amazingly well-done.
Even though this adaption isn’t the first ever created, Donner and Hirson managed to make a fantastic impression with this film. Not only was it faithful to the storyline and tone of the book, but the filmmakers' passion and commitment for the project shined brightly throughout the movie. There was a sense of something incredibly human that made this television movie more than one in a hundred adaptions of the book, and Donner and Hirson didn't cease from making it inspired and creative in their own way. The film's dramatic and emotional resonance was likewise one of the most genuine I've ever seen, and the lighthearted and occasionally witty moments were very fun to watch. The pacing was well-worked too, and the best part is that everything flowed smoothly while not being either too slow or fast.
Something that I also admire regarding the film is this:
Despite Donner's version not being as visually expressive or effects-driven as Robert Zemeckis's version, the film still had very impressive effects-created elements. In fact, the most impressive of them came from that of Jacob Marley's ghost, because he looked so real that it was like there was an actual ghost in the film. When the Ghost of Christmas Past was also making her entrance, it literally looked as though she was coming in from a growing form of light.
The acting, casting, characters, and character development were incredible, if I may add.
I really can't lie, George C. Scott was marvelous in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. Not only did he have the right physical appearance and stature to match the part, but he portrayed the character like he really was Ebenezer Scrooge! The English accent he incorporated had a sense of something authentically Shakespearean, he portrayed his character with accurately powerful personality and emotion, and the performance as a whole helped Scrooge be three-dimensional from the inside-out. Scrooge's development in this version was also one of the most powerfully portrayed and well-handled in an adaption of "A Christmas Carol", and I loved how Scott and the filmmakers were able to ensure that it wouldn't be too predictable or forced. In every way, they helped Scrooge develop in a way that was human beyond compare and reflected the sinful condition.
The supporting cast and characters were awesome as well.
I loved that the supporting players were obviously very inspired by Donner's direction and Hirson's screenplay, especially to where they pushed themselves to the best of their abilities while giving natural performances in the process. For example, Frank Finlay did portray Jacob Marley with a Shakespearean sense equal to Scott's Scrooge, but what really helped his performance strike home was how powerful and emotional it was. David Warner also played the part of Bob Cratchit with a heartfelt innocence and warmth. Plus, the performances of Angela Pleasence as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Edward Woodward as the Ghost of Christmas Present, and Michael Carter as the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come were so well-done that it was like each performer was born to take on their parts.
Finally, the music by Nick Bicât was magnificent.
Admittedly, I don't know what other movies Bicât composed for. But, I'm surprised that he wasn't given any offers to compose for larger films outside of this! His score was as three-dimensional and mighty as the film itself, and it fit the time period and Christmas season like a glove. I particularly enjoyed how Bicât's music would build up towards the visiting ghosts, and the way it reflected the overall tone of the movie and the emotions of the characters.
In conclusion, "A Christmas Carol (1984)" is what I consider to be the best adaption of the book by Charles Dickens ever. It has all the human creativity and inspiration needed to make it something more, and it showcases talent at its best. Charles Dickens himself would be very proud of this one.
So, I rate "A Christmas Carol (1984)" a solid five out of five stars.
Oh, and before anyone asks:
No, I have nothing against the Disney adaption directed by Robert Zemeckis. That movie's another one of my favorites, and I consider that one to be the second best adaption of the actual book.
Before I conclude this post, I'd like to share with you guys my newest original painting:
This new masterpiece I made was completed a few days before Christmas, and a particular credit goes to my mother for providing inspiration.
So, what do you guys think? Of this review? And this painting?
I also grew up with that version of Charles Dickens's tale - followed by the Muppets version and the Disney animated cartoon one.
One of my favourites Christmas movies of all life. Happy New Year!
My Dad also loves this version. Did you ever review the Muppet version?
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Not yet. But, it's actually a movie I'm intending on reviewing for next Christmas.
As a matter of fact, I'm hoping to review multiple movies based on the Muppets franchise this year.
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Excellent! Because I grew with The Muppet Christmas, along Muppet Treasure Island and Muppets From Space.