MISC. CATEGORIES
NARRATOR
Not much to mention, but the Great Gonzo (Dave Goelz) and Rizzo (Steve Whitmire) stand out for adding some humor to the movie. Gary Oldman in the 2009 version has a silly 4th Wall-Breaking at the end. Fred (Roger Rees, 1984) doubled well as the Narrator, even though that seems to clash with Fred's oblivious nature.
BELLE
I find Belle to be a somewhat problematic character. It’s not made quite clear how far Scrooge had fallen when she broke up with him, and her reasons are vague. It doesn’t help that she waited until it was too late for the tough love and didn’t give Scrooge a chance to repent. It almost seems like she just got impatient with his trying to build up a nest egg for them and, by dropping her role as Morality Pet, is actually responsible for Scrooge’s fall.
The version that best addresses this is the 2004 musical, which makes it clear that Scrooge has already become cold-blooded by the time of the break-up, refusing a loan to Fezziwig of all people, by the time Emily (Jennifer Love Hewitt) leaves him.
The Mickey Mouse version dodges this issue by reversing the roles of unrequited love. Scrooge callously rejects Daisy Duck (Patricia Parris). My second-favorite emoting from this version is when a weeping Daisy leaves his office, but then stops and glares back at him as her sorrow hardens into hatred.
Scrooged has Claire Philips (Karen Allen). It helps that Frank is warmer toward her, and she is implied to have become callous herself in the unaltered future thanks to his influence. It’s a bit forced, but it’s different to have this Scrooge actually corrupt a good person. Frank sees this and realizes he always secretly loved her for her selflessness, regretting his advice for her to tone it down.
FEZZIWIG
In terms of casting, you can’t beat Ian McNiece from the Patrick Stewart adaptation in this role.
Brian Bedford from the 2004 musical also deserves a mention for being the aforementioned victim of Scrooge.
FRED
Donald Duck (Clarence Nash) is an ideal character for this role, and Dominic West (1999) was good as well.
CRATCHITS
It’s hard to beat Miss Piggy (Frank Oz) as Mrs. Cratchit, but Leslie Manville gives a nice, poignant performance in the 2009 version. Robin the Frog (Jerry Nelson) and the Disney (Dick Billingsley) are appropriately sympathetic as Tiny Tim. Anthony Walters (1984) benefits from the best makeup but has the most underwhelming performance.
FINALE
One problem I have with this book is the finale. Along with Marley and Belle, it's the part of the story that could use some pragmatism in adaptations. The segue form the nightmare of the Christmas Yet to Come is a bit quick, and then it drags on too long after the conflict has been resolved. It's not like its the run time either; it usually lasts about 5-10 minutes, and it even drags in the 25 minute animated short. The problem is that it feels like a checklist of the following things one must sit through before the credits:
1. Scrooge dances happily in his bedroom
2. Scrooge negotiates a vicarious turkey purchase with some kid
3. Said turkey is shown loaded onto a carriage to confirm that it was not delivered to the
Cratchits via Flying Monkey
4. Scrooge shyly asks to join Fred's party in a genuinely poignant moment
5. Scrooge starts acting nice to Bob but not before playing a cruel practical joke on him
6. Scrooge carries Tiny Tim on his shoulder while the obligatory verbatim closing narration
is spoken
The funny thing is that most of this is not even necessary because it's implied that will sort these things out after his redemption. Mickey's Christmas Carol at least condenses this.
One problem I have with this book is the finale. Along with Marley and Belle, it's the part of the story that could use some pragmatism in adaptations. The segue form the nightmare of the Christmas Yet to Come is a bit quick, and then it drags on too long after the conflict has been resolved. It's not like its the run time either; it usually lasts about 5-10 minutes, and it even drags in the 25 minute animated short. The problem is that it feels like a checklist of the following things one must sit through before the credits:
1. Scrooge dances happily in his bedroom
2. Scrooge negotiates a vicarious turkey purchase with some kid
3. Said turkey is shown loaded onto a carriage to confirm that it was not delivered to the
Cratchits via Flying Monkey
4. Scrooge shyly asks to join Fred's party in a genuinely poignant moment
5. Scrooge starts acting nice to Bob but not before playing a cruel practical joke on him
6. Scrooge carries Tiny Tim on his shoulder while the obligatory verbatim closing narration
is spoken
The funny thing is that most of this is not even necessary because it's implied that will sort these things out after his redemption. Mickey's Christmas Carol at least condenses this.
PLAYING PRODUCER
People I would choose if to make a new version.
DIRECTOR
Denis Villeneuve or maybe Gareth Edwards
CINEMATOGRAPHER
Roger Deakins, Greig Fraser
COMPOSER
Hans Zimmer or Michael Giacchino (different but equally valid approaches)
SCROOGE
Ian McDiarmid, Hugo Weaving, Charles Dance, Gary Oldman
MARLEY
Ben Mendelsohn
YOUNG SCROOGE
Hayden Christensen, Christian Bale, Daniel Radcliffe, Domnhall Gleeson
MRS. CRATCHIT
Julie Walters
BELLE
Natalie Portman
FEZZIWIG
Roger Allam
GC PRESENT
Keith David, Tom Hardy (with a body double of course), David Harbour, Robbie Coltrane, Clancy Brown, Jim Cummings. it's difficult to beat the 84 version.
GC FUTURE
Doug Jones
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