A Christmas Carol

George C. Scott’s “A Christmas Carol” is an acceptable, if not compelling, rendition of Dickens’s classic tale. With the backing of Twentieth Century Fox, the film’s look (sets, costumes, makeup, props) were right on the money. However, the acting is this film simply wasn’t convincing for this viewer. The actors seemed to be reading cue cards that said “Be Angry Now” or “Be Sad Now”. There were a few sparks of emotion from Scott that seemed real, but for the most part, each actor/actress appeared to me to be simply walking through their scenes.

I also felt that George C. Scott, while able to come across as a mean, heartless person, seemed to either whisper/growl or shout. He didn’t appear to have any other motivation than to yell a lot. In fact, it seemed that almost every character in this rendition seemed more abrasive and less likable. Even the ghosts seemed more rude and snippety than they had before. I must admit, though, that the casting of Tiny Tim (and the dreadful look they gave him) was a great plus to the film.

Spiritually speaking, the film can present a bit of a quandary for the Christian viewer. Where is God in all of this? There doesn’t appear to be a need for a Savior when Jacob Marley can come back from the dead to warn us of the dangers of an unrepentant life, accompanied by three ghosts. However, if we turn this around and see it as sinful man (Scrooge) needing salvation (the change of heart that comes after the visit of the three ghosts) then suddenly we have a story of repentance that’s already woven into our “cultural subconscious”. The story of Scrooge can also show what happens to someone that gives their heart to the wrong thing (money vs. the love of God’s creation).

If you only get to see one “Christmas Carol” this year, the recent TNT retelling of “A Christmas Carol” starring Patrick Stewart is a much better choice than the George C. Scott film.