There have been countless cinematic and television incarnations of Charles Dickens classic Christmas tale about a begrudged Christmas-hating miser, Ebenezer Scrooge. A Christmas Carol encompasses themes of greed, benevolence and the human capacity to love and be loved in return. While many esteemed actors from Albert Finney to Jim Carrey have portrayed the old grump, my personal favorite has always been George C. Scott's portrayal in the 1984's version of the story, brought to life on the screen by director Clive Donner. While Scott's version may not critically be considered the "best", I grew up watching it and after seeing many of the other versions, adamantly feel that this version of the tale resonates with me the most on a spiritual, emotional and psychological level. It's riddled with dry humor, dark subtext and moments of genuine warmth.
An interesting fact about this particular version of A Christmas Carol is a minor detail involving the wardrobe. In all the previous versions of the story (including the original novel), Scrooge is seen wearing a male nightgown and matching cap throughout the majority of the merrily eerie tale. George C. Scott, a prominent actor of the time, refused to parade around, sometimes in the winter snow, wearing pajamas! At his insistence, Scrooge wears his worn maroon suit during most of the film's running time. To a certain extent, Scott's pretentious wardrobe demand reinforces the essence of Scrooge's inner self. Scrooge is far too prideful and rigid to allow even a spirit to make him walkabout in his nightclothes. No, if he is going to have to face the facts of his tumultuous life, he shall do so in his business suit, calm and collected for however short a time. Yes, as he learns and discovers more about himself, it becomes tattered and tarnished, but it remains intact. While Scrooge does change, in the end, a part of him will always contain this external shell of his former self. A reminder of his past misdeeds which he must never repeat or risk facing the dire consequences. Scrooge's suit covers so much more than his body; it's an external representation of the façade he has put out onto the world. A poor reflection of his cold father, misguided business partner Marley and even his scorned long-ago lover, Belle. By Scott keeping it on throughout the film, Scrooge feels more ruthless and stifled and yet more human and conflicted as well.
A Christmas Carol may not be as visually appealing as The Nutcracker or as humorous as How The Grinch Stole Christmas, but it remains a timeless classic. I firmly believe this is because its message of love and appreciation of the power of the Christmas Spirit forever rings truth in the hearts of even the most stressed or strife-ridden holiday goer. Tiny Tim's sentiment, while occasionally overdrawn with emotional sentimentality is nevertheless accurate; "God Bless Us Everyone" yes, even those who may seem to lack any sort of merriment or jubilation in their candor, much like Mr Scrooge himself. God Bless them as well. Smile at these poor ignorant souls and remember at least, it's never too late for someone to change for the better. The holidays bring about an opportune time for such life improvement. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
And to those who hate movies...Bah Humbug!
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