"A Christmas carol" by Dickens has been molded into a film version many times. As far as I can remember, this version of 1984 seems to stick to the events in the book, which is always commendable. One should appreciate, that Dickens portrays the real spirit of businessmen in olden times. It is the flourishing period of Manchester capitalism, and of Malthusianism. In a sense Scrooge is even engaging, because at least he abstains from a decadent lifestyle. He is simply a skillful investor, who knows the risks. He is indeed a man of rare gifts. He is the type who stuffs a pair of socks in each pocket, when he sends the pajamas to the laundry. Since the financial crisis of 2008 the personality of Scrooge has again become much more recognizable. Three ghosts try to convert him: Christmas past, present and future. Of course Scrooge is mainly interested in the present (joke!). It is a heavy exchange. One would expect that it ends in a tie. Only true believers will be willing to accept the sudden conversion of Scrooge. Indeed the intervention of God is needed in order to change a seasoned investor into a philanthropist, within a single night. It is a bit like your mother- in-law. You did not believe in Hell until you met her. Although the modern psychology tells us that a protracted therapy would be required, the Bible is replete with such events. The main actor George Scott indulges in theatrical play, but this does not irritate, and in fact may well have been the normal human behavior in the times of Dickens. It is noteworthy that in some aspects the shots truly glorify Christmas. For instance, there is the virginity of white snow, even in the crowded streets. And on every street corner a small choir sings Christmas hymns. Moreover, in my imagination a miser such as Scrooge ought to be leaner than Scott is. Misers only eat leftovers. They are disgusted with the original meal. But these are insignificant details, which do not make the film less recommendable.
Review of A Christmas Carol
