I was interested in seeing this version of A Christmas Carol for two primary reasons. One is that I am a huge fan of the timeless story and of the 1951 classic Scrooge with Alistair Sim. Two is that I consider George C. Scott a fine actor, having loved him in Dr Strangelove, Anatomy of a Murder and Patton. I will admit I initially worried about Scott being Scrooge, and it has nothing to do with his acting but that I worried he was too American for the role.
No fear of that really, Scott is simply brilliant as Scrooge. As fond as I am of Sim, Scott is on towering form with a perfect balance of being gruff and cantankerous and being honest and sympathetic. And he is splendidly supported by a great supporting cast, with Roger Rees outstanding and Frank Finlay a splendid Jacob Marely. But I say the standouts of the supporting cast are Edward Woodward in robust form as the Ghost of Christmas Present and David Warner perfect as the humble Bob Cratchitt. That said, it is Scott's film all the way. It is not only the cast that impresses though. The story here is beautifully told, and I agree that this is the truest adaptation to the book and I also think this is the version with the most touching Tiny Tim.
Then there is the period detail. I have seen my share of films and TV programmes that do a brilliant job recreating the Victorian atmosphere and this is no exception. The costumes are beautifully tailored, the make up is very nice, the photography is excellent and the sets and scenery are breathtaking. Nick Bicat's music is both beautiful and haunting, and gives real emotional weight to the scenes that need it, especially in the scenes with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Directing wise, Clive Donner does a much better job directing than he did with his 1982 version of Oliver Twist(also starring Scott as Fagin, surprisingly good he was too seeing as Fagin is not really an easy character to play), though he directed decently then too. Here he seems more at home, and manages to create a realistic yet somewhat homely atmosphere. Plus the script was very good too and sticks to the story remarkably well.
Overall, this is a pretty darn good adaptation of a wonderful story and a wonderful film in general and well worth watching for George C.Scott's superb performance alone. 10/10 Bethany Cox
No fear of that really, Scott is simply brilliant as Scrooge. As fond as I am of Sim, Scott is on towering form with a perfect balance of being gruff and cantankerous and being honest and sympathetic. And he is splendidly supported by a great supporting cast, with Roger Rees outstanding and Frank Finlay a splendid Jacob Marely. But I say the standouts of the supporting cast are Edward Woodward in robust form as the Ghost of Christmas Present and David Warner perfect as the humble Bob Cratchitt. That said, it is Scott's film all the way. It is not only the cast that impresses though. The story here is beautifully told, and I agree that this is the truest adaptation to the book and I also think this is the version with the most touching Tiny Tim.
Then there is the period detail. I have seen my share of films and TV programmes that do a brilliant job recreating the Victorian atmosphere and this is no exception. The costumes are beautifully tailored, the make up is very nice, the photography is excellent and the sets and scenery are breathtaking. Nick Bicat's music is both beautiful and haunting, and gives real emotional weight to the scenes that need it, especially in the scenes with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Directing wise, Clive Donner does a much better job directing than he did with his 1982 version of Oliver Twist(also starring Scott as Fagin, surprisingly good he was too seeing as Fagin is not really an easy character to play), though he directed decently then too. Here he seems more at home, and manages to create a realistic yet somewhat homely atmosphere. Plus the script was very good too and sticks to the story remarkably well.
Overall, this is a pretty darn good adaptation of a wonderful story and a wonderful film in general and well worth watching for George C.Scott's superb performance alone. 10/10 Bethany Cox