Review of It's a Wonderful Life (1946) by Andy B — 27 Dec 2013

(****) I've seen It's A Wonderful Life several times throughout my life, but this year was the first time I ever had the experience of watching it on Christmas Eve with my parents. Yes, that does amp up the experience if you were wondering. The reason was because my father always thought it would be boring and not worth watching. However I finally talked him into it this year, and he was blown away. At the end all he could say was, "Jimmy Stewart is an amazing actor." Anyone who disagrees with that statement needs to re-evaluate their life.

Upon going to review this movie I was happy to see I'd already rated it 100% at some point in the past. Now allow me to explain why. It's a Wonderful Life is a triumph of storytelling. The mistake people often make is labeling it a gimmick movie, because an angel walks a man through a world without him ever being born. In this way, many consider it sort of a reverse Chrismtas Carol, showing a good man all the good he's done, rather than the opposite. Taking the entire two hours into account however, this is not the point at all.

It's a Wonderful Life is a biopic, the story of George Bailey. His life takes up by far the largest chunk of the runtime, with the angel Clarence only intervening for the climax. Everything he's ever done builds up to a point, rather than a montage of his life dumping us into the mystical portion of the film. In a more modern film, Clarence would have shown up about 30 minutes in at the latest, and would primarily have served as slapstick comedy relief. Here, he is primarily an observer, who only shows up when he is absolutely necessary. After all, that is the purpose of an angel right?

The film weaves us through all the good deeds he's done, from childhood up until just before a simple mistake leads to tragedy. From high school to parenthood he seems to always be one step away from achieving his dream of leaving Bedford Falls in the dust. However, like it always does, life finds a way to keep him cemented in the mundane. But what he does with the lot he's given is truly extraordinary. He manages to handle major crises as well as his own love life while never losing sight of the idealistic tradition handed down by his father.

When tragedy does strike, we see some of the greatest acting Jimmy Stewart ever put to film. He quickly makes a turn from his normal cheerful personality to a frightening level of depression and anger. As his life falls apart he wishes he were never born, and Clarence has the wisdom to grant his wish. The town of Bedford Falls is ruined without him, people died and lives were crushed. Just as Bailey bottoms out, the veil is lifted leading to one of the most bombastic and jubilant endings of all time.

In my opinion there has never been a better Christmas film, and very possibly never will be. If grown men can watch this celebration of life and not shed a tear, they are stronger than me. And stronger than my father.