| Directed by: Henry Selick Starring: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara, Glenn Shadix, Paul Reubens, Ken Page |
There are so many films that come out every week let alone every year, aren’t there? We can get so caught up in trying to keep up with the latest awards contenders, box office hits, and culturally relevant pieces that we don’t have enough time to turn back the clock and check out films from the past. But it is so important to expand our horizons and experience the art that has set the stage for today’s cinema. You might need to find the time, so it is important to make wise choices with what you spend that time watching. Whether we head back 10 years, 50 years, or even 100 years, there is great cinema throughout the years. But let’s rewind the clock and here are some reasons why you should check out… The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The Animation
This is one of the most impressive feats of animation ever put into a film. Tim Burton may have been the idea behind it all, but Henry Selick was the magician that brought it all to life. The amount of detail that went into creating the world of Halloweentown and Christmastown is impressive. Each character is wonderfully detailed with its own distinct look and characterization. They come to life in their own creepy and fascinating way. Selick would make a career out of this stop-motion animation approach to storytelling, and you can tell there is passion and a keen eye for the craft.
The Music
Each song in this film is an absolute banger. “This is Halloween” is one of the best Halloween-related songs of all time and it does the amazing heavy lifting when it comes to allowing the audience to become accustomed to the diverse and crazy cast of characters that make up this town. The song is so catchy and fantastically fun. “Jack’s Lament” does a perfect job of allowing the audience to connect with our skeletal protagonist and understand his sadness when it comes to the rut in his life. That song springboards us into “What’s This” which captures the wonder of the film in general. There are plenty of other fun pieces including my personal favorite “The Oogie Boogie Song” which is one of the best Disney villain songs around.
The Cast
This whole ensemble is so perfectly cast to bring these wonderful characters to life. Before the bigger names, shout out to every voice actor who helps make each bit of character in this film feel like they are distinct and memorable. But it is the acting/singing combo of Danny Elfman and Chris Sarandon who bring Jack Skellington to life, instantly creating a memorable and beloved figure in animation. Catherine O’Hara is saddled with being one of the anchors of the while also being a devious little monster and she excels in both roles. Broadway legend Ken Page makes Oogie Boogie a towering and iconic animated villain absolutely killing his big musical number.
The Wonder
There is a reason why this film has created such a cultural phenomenon that still exists almost 30 years later.
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This film is pure imagination. The whole atmosphere of the film is that it can get you lost in these fully realized worlds. The film might be light on plot but is propelled forward by the sheer imagination that went into creating this beautiful, animated world. There are almost constant songs as well that send our emotions on a rollercoaster ride.
