A Wealth of Adaptations

[Laura]

Happy December!

Now that we've had a chance to read and contemplate Charles Dickens' classic novella "A Christmas Carol," let's discuss some of the many film, TV, and other adaptations available! Since there are so many options, I'm going to keep my questions a bit broad, but feel free to go into detail about your favorite versions.

1) What is your favorite adaptation of "A Christmas Carol"? Which version do you think is the hands down best version ever? Explain why. Note that your favorite and the "best version ever" may not be the same one!

2) Are you familiar with any version that change something fundamental about the storyline, setting, or characters? For example, a modernized retelling like 1988's "Scrooged" or a darker take like the 2019 BBC miniseries version? What do you think these changes bring or take away from the original story and/or characters?

3) Let's talk about audience. Some adaptations are clearly meant for adult viewers or children/family audiences. What are the merits of aiming the story at one audience versus another, and how does this reflect on what the author, Charles Dickens, may have been aiming for with his work? Would you consider the original text to be more for adults or for all?

4) Lastly, is there anything else you would like to share? Maybe you know of a version you've recently discovered or something "off the beaten path" from the usual adaptations people watch over and over... We'll have this topic open for conversation throughout this month, so feel free to join the discussion at any time!

A Note from Laura E.
Any day now, I'll be going on medical leave for a few months. Just in case I don't get back to this discussion post, my co-host/moderator of the book club, Kyland, will be taking over the conversation from here! I'm not sure yet when we'll resume a regular monthly book selection, but you're welcome to participate in any of the posts from the past months. We've read some amazing books in the past 9 months, and we'd still love to hear your thoughts, even if you're just joining for the first time. Reach out to Kyland at kgadson(at)lex(dot)lib(dot)sc(dot)us if you have any book suggestions!

[Kyland]

Hello Everyone!

I hope you all enjoyed "A Christmas Carol," immensely, as I did. As Laura stated, I will be continuing to facilitate our conversation on this novella as we continue through the end of the year. Let's send Laura our well wishes!

1) There are so many wonderful versions of "A Christmas Carol," and I may be in the minority here; but I love the 2009, Robert Zemeckis film starring Jim Carrey as Ebenezer Scrooge. Many have said that it has the flaw of falling into "Uncanny Valley," with almost life-like animation; however, that is one of the aspects that I enjoy about the film. It feels like you are watching a "real" Ebenezer Scrooge with "real" ghosts, without the cheesy green-screen effects that tend to come with a live-action film of this nature. The animation is eye-catching and when I first saw this in the movie theater back in high school, in 3-D, I was thrilled and scared by many aspects. From what I've read, this adaptation (although it still takes liberties for entertainment purposes) stays pretty true to the written work in script and in the way that the characters are portrayed. TV stations have started playing it yearly, which means to me that it is hitting cult classic status! It definitely stuck with me and I consider it to be the best (and my favorite haha)!

Also, in the Disney line, a close 2nd place in my heart is "Mickey's Christmas Carol." I feel like this version of the story is cute, light-hearted and still stays true to the overall story of Dickens's original work. The language is a lot more modern and simple for younger audiences, but it is still fun to watch as an adult as well. And who doesn't love an adorable Mickey as the sweet and mild-mannered Bob Cratchit?

2) There are a few versions I've seen that have fundamentally changed the storyline; but the main idea is still there to where you know it was inspired by "A Christmas Carol." This includes "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past," starring Matthew McConaughey (mainly for adults), "A Diva's Christmas Carol," starring Vanessa Williams, "Christmas Cupid," starring Christina Milian (targeted towards teens and young adults), and even "Barbie in A Christmas Carol," yes, I said Barbie! I feel that these adaptations still have heart. The message of considering others above oneself and living a life of love and generosity is still the main focus of each story. Being able to create a unique spin on a story and have it resonate through multiple decades, keeps "A Christmas Carol," timeless. I enjoy each version for different reasons. Love stories have been added to the ones targeted towards adults and teens (who doesn't love a good romance right?). A lighthearted and magical twist has been added to the plots of the youth-targeted films, which I also enjoy.

3. There are merits to making the adaptations targeted to specific groups, however, I enjoy when a movie is adapted for multigenerational enjoyment. The benefit of an adaptation targeted towards adults is that the content can be much more profound. The audience can be encouraged to think, reason, and consider various perspectives that just a simple plot with a one-dimensional character. This could allow for an entirely different spin on the original novella that can leave an older audience with a longer lasting impression on the soul. For younger audiences, the adaptations can be tailored to emphasize simpler lessons that are important for children to pick up on such as caring, not being selfish and showing kindness to others. I would consider the original text to be for all ages. Although the language is a bit dated and sometimes goes above the modern reader's head, it is still a pretty simple story to understand. I think it was meant to be read around the fireplace to the entire family.

4. I would like to recommend listening to a dramatic reading or radio play adaptation. It is enjoyable to create images and your own version of the story in your mind based on the dramatic reading that you listen to. Tell us which is your favorite reading of "A Christmas Carol."

I look forward to reading everyone's thoughts and perspectives on the novella as well as various adaptations.