A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol from Charles Dickens is a literary giant that is repeatedly and effortlessly rinsed and repeated in the cinematic realm. It is a property, albeit well-liked, that is frequently failed, regarding reinvention or subversion. Directing duo David and Jacqui Morris cleverly, and thankfully, take the magical material from Dickens and give it a glamourous, haunting and fabulous new lick of paint in a poignant and utterly magical production.
The performances showcased on-screen in dance, or just in general movement, are flawless. Not only does it brew a magical feeling that encompasses the lore of the material, but the tenderness and approach are undeniably heightened. Equally as strong and immersive is the camerawork and editing. This piece deriving from a theatre production does not necessarily evoke a strong sense of cinematic qualities but, nonetheless, they both strive for a superb partnership to heighten the genre and weight of the material.
Taking the essence of theatre in its most immersive and intimate form, the directing duo craft a silent theatre production in the form of interpretive dance and voiceover. Taking away the performative and staunch dialogue ultimately elevates the emotional and often crucially haunting thematic weight the material concerns.
The production design is breathtaking to behold. The physical look and practicality bring a tremendous otherworldly approach and organic nature to proceedings. Authentic yet undeniably uncomfortable in its fictitiousness, the world that is built immerses the audience in a wonderfully coy yet threatening manner. Made all the more thrilling and unpredictable is its stage theatrical usage of ghoulish effects that, granted, do not perhaps hold the same effectiveness than larger than life CGI but nevertheless stays true to the form and foundations of which built the production.
But there are also the voiceovers from the likes of Carey Mulligan, Andy Serkis and Martin Freeman, which add and reinforce a cinematic quality and tenderness to proceedings. The quality and talent of said performers beautifully and effectively add great depth to the characters but also emotive weight and direction. They are ultimately the cherry on the top to a wonderfully crafted and produced production of A Christmas Carol that beautifully balances the haunting lore but manages to subvert the material and expectation, magically so.
