Bored by the lull of the same thing every year, Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon, sung by Danny Elfman) tires of his job as The Pumpkin King, ruler and leader of Halloween Town in the land of Holidays. He dreams of doing something more, and by chance he finds what he's looking for when he stumbles across Christmas Town. Seeing it as a sign, he decides to take over the preparations for Christmas. And while it makes him feel better, he remains ignorant of the true meaning of Christmas and the great responsibility on Santa's shoulders; and of a prophecy which foretells a disaster if he persists.
The Nightmare Before Christmas presents as a cross-genre masterpiece having all the components of horror, musicals, dark comedy and family films. It flaunts all the conventions of Halloween and equally all those of Christmas presenting a brilliant irony that works so cohesively, it's difficult to locate anything in its tightly wound plot and brilliant mechanics that can derail and destroy the performance. In its era, this film debuted on the cusp of the genesis of our current animation king, Pixar. However, this one's technique (stop-motion) is so antiquated, it's pure genius; a classic.
The central conflict is so well plotted: Jack is uncomfortable with who he is and is unwilling to find satisfaction in himself, that disaster is sure to strike if he fails to realize that being the Pumpkin King is who he is and what he's meant to be. And causing us to think about who we are and examine our destiny while we watch him find his, all wrapped in a fun package. The songs, with their wit and wisdom invite us to sing along and entertains while we learn the lessons this film is teaching us. Danny Elfman, our composer and the singing voice for Jack, completes a shining performance that can be simply described as brilliant.
My father and I watched this film when I was home recently for Christmas: he said that he'd wanted to see it for years. And, while he said it wasn't his type afterwards, he did acknowledge that the film was done well, understanding why I, my sister-in-law and my brother like it so much. Not for everyone, sure; but a great film nonetheless.
****
In: Danny Elfman
Out: This is the first time I'm unable to connect this film to another through performers. Therefore, the fail-safe (alphabetical selection) is needed...and I'm sure we'll use it again very soon.
Coming Soon: Nightmare on Elm Street
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