Review of A Christmas Carol (1984) by Matthew D — 18 Nov 2018

A Christmas Carol (1984) is the finest adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic 1843 novel of the same name. Director Clive Donner recreates a grim, dim, and foggy London with astonishing detail. His natural candle lit lighting is lovely, especially when framing the faces of Scrooge surrounded by darkness. Donner's direction is excellent with steady pacing, far wide shots, intimate close ups, and slow panning shots. Donner's A Christmas Carol is as fine an example of stunning filmmaking as I have ever seen.

The story remains a wonderful parable as Dickens' writing is timeless in his insight into cruelty, kindness, and greed. The score from Nick Bicât is really magnificent. It features a rousing symphony of strings and horns alike. He composed a much more frightening composition than is usual for A Christmas Carol.

The real star of A Christmas Carol is always the actor that played Ebenezer Scrooge and this version is no exception. George C. Scott is phenomenal as the avarice driven Scrooge. Scott's contempt for the poor and merry is palpable with his quiet damnations of the impoverished. He goes with a cruel voice without screaming his insults and never overacting the more sentimental scenes. Scott is definitely my favorite version of Scrooge. His serious take is so compelling, especially since Scott's Scrooge is not instantly reformed as is the case with so many other takes on this character.

Furthermore, I found Scott's Scrooge even better than the portrayals from Michael Caine, Albert Finney, Jim Carrey, Patrick Stewart, and Alastair Sim. That is saying something as each of these acclaimed actors brought their own style and flair to the character. Scott elevates the role into a classic performance of an iconic character.

In all, the 1984 film adaptation of A Christmas Carol is my favorite of any movie version of A Christmas Carol. It delivers fine acting alongside breathtaking direction. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) will always remain the most fun movie version to watch, but I implore any cinema fan to seek out the George C. Scott one. His Scrooge is something to behold!