Review: A Christmas Carol
Back in 1843, almost two hundred years ago, Charles Dickens wrote and had published a book named A Christmas carol.
Like his other works, it opened the eyes of its readers to the plight of the poor, the downtrodden, disenfranchised, elderly, sick and oppressed.
While Victorian England was the age in which many good works were done to alleviate people's suffering, there was a lot of suffering for all those who weren't privileged to own property or vote.
Selling out overnight, it forever established its story of how we view Christmas, with the snow and holly (regardless of which hemisphere we live in) and the characters of Scrooge and Tiny Tim, along with their famous phrases: 'Humbug!' and 'God bless us everyone.'
It is a joyous tale, with redemption, love, family and friendship.
Fast forward to 2019 and we now have a three part adaptation of the tale, created by Steven Knight, with Guy Pearce as the main character.
Very much a no frills edition, this is Victorian London without the song and dance, or indeed, much colour at all.
It is as though the crew have brought back the real history to their sets, costumes, hair and makeup and have only simply added the haunting score, effects to make you jump and their cameras to share the story.
The story itself has been stripped back and added to - all the horridness of Scrooge's past, present and future are laid bare before you, uncompromising, brutal, carelessness of a man who does not care for others. It is a carefully woven script, almost a beautifully crafted piece of machinery, where each piece fits perfectly with the others, covered by the magic of film but you do get a sense of the cogs whirring beneath.
The spirits of Christmas, past, present and future, portrayed beautifully (there is beauty in darkness) by Andy Serkis, Charlotte Riley and Jason Flemyng, respectively. Vinette Robinson and Joe Alwyn as Mary & Bob Cratchit - both do utterly wonderful work. As does Stephen Graham as Jacob Marley.
However, highest praise must go to Mr Pearce, whose portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge, is by the best - his every moment is real and honest, and perfectly done.
Run, don't walk to your nearest provider of entertainment. You will not be disappointed.
Like his other works, it opened the eyes of its readers to the plight of the poor, the downtrodden, disenfranchised, elderly, sick and oppressed.
While Victorian England was the age in which many good works were done to alleviate people's suffering, there was a lot of suffering for all those who weren't privileged to own property or vote.
Selling out overnight, it forever established its story of how we view Christmas, with the snow and holly (regardless of which hemisphere we live in) and the characters of Scrooge and Tiny Tim, along with their famous phrases: 'Humbug!' and 'God bless us everyone.'
It is a joyous tale, with redemption, love, family and friendship.
Fast forward to 2019 and we now have a three part adaptation of the tale, created by Steven Knight, with Guy Pearce as the main character.
Very much a no frills edition, this is Victorian London without the song and dance, or indeed, much colour at all.
It is as though the crew have brought back the real history to their sets, costumes, hair and makeup and have only simply added the haunting score, effects to make you jump and their cameras to share the story.
The story itself has been stripped back and added to - all the horridness of Scrooge's past, present and future are laid bare before you, uncompromising, brutal, carelessness of a man who does not care for others. It is a carefully woven script, almost a beautifully crafted piece of machinery, where each piece fits perfectly with the others, covered by the magic of film but you do get a sense of the cogs whirring beneath.
The spirits of Christmas, past, present and future, portrayed beautifully (there is beauty in darkness) by Andy Serkis, Charlotte Riley and Jason Flemyng, respectively. Vinette Robinson and Joe Alwyn as Mary & Bob Cratchit - both do utterly wonderful work. As does Stephen Graham as Jacob Marley.
However, highest praise must go to Mr Pearce, whose portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge, is by the best - his every moment is real and honest, and perfectly done.
Run, don't walk to your nearest provider of entertainment. You will not be disappointed.
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