#5: A Christmas Carol (1984)

Starring George C. Scott, David Warner, Edward Woodward, Susannah York

There are many different versions of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and while I believe none of them can be called “definitive” for all of them have some flaw or another in exactly following the author’s story, I believe the best version is the version with George C. Scott.

Everyone should know this story, but just in case…

A Christmas Carol tells of an elderly miser named Ebenezer Scrooge, who cares only of profit and couldn’t care less for the poor and needy of the world. He is visited one night by the ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marley, who informs him that he will be visited by three spirits - the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet To Come - in order to give him a chance to set his ways right. Scrooge dismisses it as “humbug,” but is indeed visited by spirits, as Jacob foretold. The visions the spirits present to him change his outlook on Christmas - and life.

Now, why the George C. Scott version? Four words: acting at its best. Everyone in this movie was so perfectly cast, and the direction was amazing. George C. Scott, an excellent actor in any film, fleshes out the character of Scrooge. He makes him unfeeling, yes, but not entirely unlikable and without hope. A great actor can say something profound without every opening his mouth, and that’s George C. Scott. Every little movement of his eyes, his facial expressions, conveys what speech cannot - pride, compassion, regret, fear.

And David Warner, who plays Bob Cratchit? Now, this is the first movie I ever saw David Warner in, so how was I to know that he was usually cast as a villain? He plays a truly heart-warming father, sincere and compassionate in all respects, even towards his miserly employer.

Another casting choice I particularly like is that of Edward Woodward as the Ghost of Christmas Present. A great booming, laughing voice and character that could be turned in an instant to that of cynical despise just makes the role. One of my favorite scenes is when he and Scrooge are in Bob Cratchit’s house, and Scrooge makes a comment on the size of the Cratchit’s goose. Woodward comes swooping down out of the top left corner and says, very dryly and matter of factly, “It’s all Bob Cratchit can afford.” And then he gives this very slight nod of the head as if to say, “So there.”

Oh, and I forgot to mention that this movie has the creepiest version of the Ghost of Christmas Future...I think in part due to the sound effects written into the soundtrack by composer Nick Bicat. The music adds to and enhances the atmosphere of each scene and is quite diverse. Like all good soundtracks, it never detracts and only adds to the mood of every scene.

It’s amazing that this was a made-for-TV film…the direction was excellent, the actors superb, the feel and authenticity of it all was just astounding. So if you’re in the mood for a good Christmas film, I recommend this version of the classic Dickens story.

Favorite Quotes:
"This is a most foul part of town."

"May you be happy in the life you have chosen."

"Are you in love, Ebeneezer?"

"Just testing the cooking, mother."

"A triumph, my dear..."

#4: Jane Austen Films

I have to warn you now that sometimes I cheat on this blog. I love the Jane Austen films (of course based on the beloved novels by author Jane Austen) so much that I honestly can’t choose an order for them to go in, and so I lumped them all together. Not that they’re all the same - they’re really quite different - but the summaries of the movies will be a great deal shorter than previous posts.

Now, if you’re a man and you’re reading this, you’ll probably skip over this post. Just chick flicks, right? Well, yes, they do trend more towards the female population. But they’re not like those formulaic sappy chick flicks that come out every month. These romances are different. There is indeed love, but there is also deceit, intrigue, humor and mystery, - all shaped by class and social status of the early 1800s.

Emma (1996)
Starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeremy Northam, Toni Collette, Alan Cumming and Ewan McGregor
Directed by Douglas McGrath

Summary: In the country town of Highbury, Emma Woodhouse plays matchmaker for her friend…but things don’t go exactly as planned.

What I love about this movie…where do I start? In my eyes, this film is practically flawless. Every scene is a gem. The humor is wonderful, and every time you watch it, you catch another side remark or facial expression that makes you burst out laughing. There are serious scenes to be sure, but the cast did such a wonderful job of expressing the characters’ personalities with not only their speech, but hand and body gestures, and subtle facial expressions. There is a new 2009 version that has come out on Masterpiece Theatre, and while I love some of the actors in it (Romola Garai was wonderful in Nicholas Nickleby), it dragged on much too long. The 1996 film never loses your attention, as each scene is transitioned beautifully and cunningly into the next. Another point differentiating between the 2009 and 1996 versions is the person of Emma. In the 1996 version, Emma is manipulative, yes, but quite likeable. In the 2009 film, she is overly-giggly and silly to the point where she is annoying. Again, not a reflection on the actress, but the direction and script.

Another winning point for this 1996 version of Emma is the soundtrack. Rachel Portman, who has done music for Nicholas Nickleby, Chocolat, The Legend of Bagger Vance and many other notable films, does a superb job of capturing the atmosphere of Emma with her flowing strings and fun rhythms.

So if you’re looking for a classy, entertaining romantic comedy, go with Emma.

Favorite Quotes:
"Miss Smith!?"
"I hate John!"
"ANGEL, mother."
"That man thinks of nothing but showing off."
"I guess you'll just have to live here, then."
"Knightly! She called him Knightly!"

Mansfield Park (1999)
Starring Frances O’Connor and Jonny Lee Miller
Directed by Patricia Rozema

Summary: A poor relation of her uncle’s, young Fanny Price goes to live at Mansfield Park. Clever, with a strong moral compass and a mind of her own, Fanny Price grows into a beautiful woman. She begins to attract the attentions of a man, but is not sure of her own feelings.

This is described on imdb as “Jane Austen’s wicked comedy.” I’d say that is very accurate. Not nearly as comedic as Emma, Mansfield Park has its funny moments but is altogether more serious a film. Suggestive themes and political problems of the time are played up more than in any other Jane Austen film. Fanny Price is a very likable character you can relate to - but there are equally dislikable characters that you love to hate. But I'll let you find out who those characters are yourself.

To be honest, this is my least favorite of the Jane Austen movies, but is certainly a great movie and I definitely recommend you watch it.

Persuasion (1995)
Starring Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds
Directed by Roger Michell

Summary: Persuaded to break off her engagement eight years prior, Anne Elliot again finds herself in company with the same man, Captain Frederick Wentworth. When she was convinced to reject him, he was not a promising match. Now, he is a successful and wealthy captain - and he’s still unmarried. The question is, does he still have feelings for Anne, as she does for him?

If I absolutely had to pick a favorite Jane Austen movie, Persuasion might be it. There’s nothing like curling up on the couch and watching this film- it just makes me feel warm and snuggly inside. I know that’s a rather immature way of describing it, but I can’t put it any other way. Amanda Root portrays Anne as such a gentle, loving and pleasant character, and you want so much for everything to go her way - but it rarely does, due to the persuasions of others. And Ciaran Hinds. He does such a fantastic job of portraying Captain Wentworth of a man who was injured but still maintains deep sincere feeling. The other actors and actresses really do an excellent job of making you like - or dislike - them in their own ways. I fear I’ll go on and on about this movie…like I’ve said before, you’ll just have to watch it yourself.

Girls, if you need a charming, feel good movie, pick this one.

Favorite Quotes:
"Anne? Whatever for?"
"In my heart, I know you...intimately."
"Well I don't know, it might have been!"
"I'm for...I'm for Bath."

Pride & Prejudice (1995)
Starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth

Summary: Independent, strong willed Elizabeth Bennett comes from a family of sisters governed by their loving father and worrisome mother (who is eager to see all of her five daughters married off to wealthy men). At a local ball, she meets amiable Mr. Bingley and not-so-amiable Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth’s sister Jane falls in love with Bingley, while another sister Lydia flirts with every military man she can set her eyes on. The characters fall in many ways to pride and prejudice of their classes, and Elizabeth learns to see things in a new light.

Okay. Just a fair warning - this version is about five hours long (it was a mini series when aired by the BBC). But it’s worth every minute. The 2005 version starring Keira Knightley has its own very good points, but my chief complaint was that I missed all the details that the 1995 version portrayed. The characters and situations are so intriguing, and as long as it is, it’s not boring. The film keeps your attention all the way through. I remember the first time I watched it - I was dubious at first, and since it was a two-parter, I thought I’d watch the first part, just to see how it was. By the end of the first half, I couldn’t wait until the next day to watch the second part and stayed up until 3 am watching the entire thing.

The actors and actresses are wonderful. Austen was a master at capturing personalities, and this film portrays her characters splendidly - from the strong willed Elizabeth to the sweet Jane, to the irritating Mrs. Bennett to the seemingly-cold Mr. Darcy.

To the men - if your girlfriend/wife wants you to watch this movie with her, do her and yourself a favor and watch it. You might like it!

Sense & Sensibility (1995)
Directed by Ang Lee
Starring Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman

Summary: When their father dies, Elinor Dashwood, her two sisters and mother must leave their estate to their half-brother, John. They move to a cottage owned by a distant relative, and encounter both romance and heartbreak.

If you’ve ever seen Emma Thompson in anything, you know what a talented actress she is. If I had to pick a favorite female role in this movie, she’d definitely be it. I feel like I’m sort of repeating myself, but she’s so relatable to any woman who’s ever hoped to be in love and find that perfect someone. And if I had to pick a favorite male role, it’d certainly be Colonel Brandon, played by Alan Rickman. The character represents what every woman (well at least this woman) hopes to find in man - loyalty and unwavering admiration.

This whole film captures Jane Austen’s subtle humor so well - there’s even a cameo by Hugh Laurie playing a cynical husband. For all Jane Austen lovers - and romantic comedy lovers - here’s one you can’t miss.