5. Edward Scissorhands
Over the years, my love for Tim Burton’s work has gradually diminished. I find his work has become less and less imaginative and his films have become incredibly dull. I despisedSweeney Todd and was outraged by his embarrassingly feeble interpretation of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Depp always seems at his weakest when working with Burton; the exception being Edward Scissorhands. For me, Edward Scissorhands will always be his masterpiece. A story about individuality, uncertainty and trying to find your place in a very confusing world always gets me in the mood for the Christmas season. The film’s underlying sinister qualities are contrasted by its innocence and romantic aesthetic.
4. The Muppet Christmas Carol
It isn’t Christmas without the muppets. I recently re-visited their latest feature film and once again found myself in stitches. I was so charmed by The Muppets (2011) and relieved that they had managed to maintain their wit and bizarreness. The Muppet Christmas Carol has always been a family favourite. It is by far my favourite adaptation of Dickens’ story. Plus, there is only one thing that could make the muppets even better, Michael Caine of course.
3. The Snowman
The Snowman always enthralled me. From an early age I would watch this sensational piece of silent cinema and be completely captivated by the animation and the music. The fact that I allowed myself to sit through this film, and have my innocent heart broken over and over again, says a lot about the beauty of this film.
2. Meet Me in St. Louis
Meet Me in St. Louis is a tale about several sisters learning different life lessons over the course of a year. Each girl grows up in a very different way and we see them all undergo some difficult and personal changes. Judy Garland is at her most beautiful in this film and oozes perfection into every shot. The girls are coming to terms with the idea of leaving their beloved home to start a new life in New York. These issues of loneliness and preparing for the unknown resonates with me quite strongly and is what makes this film a personal favourite.
1. It’s a Wonderful Life
There is no other film that makes me feel more comforted or cheerful than Frank Capra’s exquisite Christmas classic. It’s a Wonderful Life was not an instant hit, and only became a classic after it was constantly repeated on television during the holiday seasons. It found a following with television audiences, despite its original mediocre acceptance from critics in 1946. It is the ultimate tale of the common man fighting for justice and fairness. The world seems to be against George Bailey. His continuous battle to provide for his loved ones, and to put other’s needs before his own, seems to bring him to his knees. This story of loyalty, selflessness and community spirit always leaves me with a lump in my throat and leaves my heart feeling two sizes bigger. I dare you to sit down with a glass of home-made eggnog and a mince pie, watch James Stewart at his best, watch Donna Reed at her most beautiful and still have Christmas blues. It is impossible to watch this film and still feel like a grinch.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Thanks for reading and let’s all keep supporting our beloved film industry.
Hannah McHaffie 