The Nightmare Before Christmas – Part 2
From the moment the opening music started, I found myself singing and humming along with The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993, dir. Henry Selick), the score took me back to memories of my childhood and repeated viewings of this film… But about halfway through the film, I found myself questioning: why do I enjoy this film? Seriously, the driving force of the film – Jack Skellington’s new-found obsession with Christmas, following an existential crisis in which he questions the meaning of Halloween and his role as the “Pumpkin King” – kind of fell flat for me upon viewing this film again… Don’t get me wrong, I have a soft spot in my heart for The Nightmare Before Christmas, but the film felt a little less magical, as I found myself getting more annoyed with the film’s protagonist with each passing moment.
Jack (voiced by Chris Sarandon, with Danny Elfman providing Jack’s singing voice) comes across as a self-centered simpleton, his naiveté became less and less charming as the film progressed, and don’t get me started on his treatment of Sally (voiced by Catherine O’Hara)… Jack completely disregards her throughout the film and does not heed her warnings, which really got me to wondering why this film has garnered such a cult status? From the cutesy ‘couples’ Jack-and-Sally themed costumes or Mickey ears that can be purchased at Disney theme parks (and in the online Disney Store), to people constantly touting the two characters as having this ‘great love story’ (akin the way fans have oft romanticized Disney cinematic couples, like Snow White and Prince Charming, Belle and the Beast, or Lady and the Tramp), I really just don’t get the appeal. I found myself wanting to scream at my television: “You can do better Sally, don’t settle for him!”
Obviously, Sally is one of my favorite characters within The Nightmare Before Christmas. Her ability to literally pick herself up and stitch herself back together again, is such an endearing quality. Her humanity, her concern for others (even when drugging Doctor Finklestein), her willingness to face danger, and attempt to rescue Santa (on her own), builds the likability of the character throughout the film. As a whole, I quite enjoy the way each of the supporting characters have their own quirks and personalities, and would have loved to have seen them played with more over the course of the movie. It would have been interesting to see how these homages to classic cinematic horror characters, such as the nods to “Dracula,” and even the “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” could have developed into a more nuanced production.
As far as villains go, Oogie Boogie is not all that sinister (and even his quasi henchmen, known as Lock, Shock, and Barrel, are more bumbling than truly evil). The Nightmare Before Christmas does an excellent job of making its audiences question their assumptions about what constitutes a ‘nightmare’ versus ‘comedy.’ I love the montage of children opening the ‘evil’ Christmas presents that the Halloweentown residents have concocted under Jack’s misguided supervision. That is one of the things that I still find charming about this movie, the way seemingly innocent items, especially Christmas paraphernalia (such as a simple wreath), are turned into objects of absolute horror. Between the stop-motion animation, visual effects (like the ghost emerging from gravestones), color palettes, and the juxtaposition of the Halloween and Christmas elements of the film, the mise-en-scène is probably what has drawn me back to the movie, time and time again. Well, that and the score, as I have always been enchanted with the musical numbers by Danny Elfman.
There is no denying the popularity of The Nightmare Before Christmas. It is that strangely likeable contrast of all the elements that shouldn’t go together well, like Halloween and Christmas, but ultimately do. From the overall visual styling, which has reached its own iconic status, to the memorably haunting music, there is plenty to love about our November Film Club Pick. Although I have my current issues with the film’s central protagonist (perhaps 2020 has gotten to me… you never know, I might feel differently in the future…), I still quite enjoy the film. So much so, that the inner child in me still wants to visit Disneyland between Halloween and Christmas when the Haunted Mansion ride becomes decked out in ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ themed decorations, but I’m not as likely to re-watch this film, or include it in my annual holiday movie rotation, anytime soon… – Sarah 🍂
Who is your favorite character in The Nightmare Before Christmas? What scene, or aspect, do you love the most within this film? What film(s) would you like to see for our December Film Club Pick? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to check back soon, as we prepare to get into the full swing of the holiday season!
Copyright © 2020 Sarah Crane
