From Page To Screen (60) A Chistmas Carol

This week on From Page To Screen I tackle the book turned film A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

First Let's Discuss The Book
A Christmas Carol is a novella written by the Author Charles Dickens. The Novella was originally published by Chapman & Hall on December 19, 1843.  Charles Dickens decided to write A Christmas Carol after spending 3 days in Manchester discussing education reform for the poor with factory workers and their employers. Upon release A Christmas Carol received widespread critical acclaim and went on to become one if not the most beloved Holiday classic ever written.




Let's take a look at some of the characters.

Ebeneezer Scrooge - Main protagonist of the story. Ebeneezer is a miserly creditor whose abhorrence of the  poor has been largely shaped by his neglectful upbringing.

Bob Cratchit - A mild mannered man who is afraid to speak out against his over demanding boss Ebeneezer. Bob is the patriarch of a family poor in wealth but rich in love and kindness.  He is especially fond of his sickly crippled son Tiny Tim.

Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present & Future - The Ghosts that visit Ebeneezer represent memory, charity, celebration of life and even death. The Ghosts help to guide Ebeneezer back onto a charitable, righteous and moral path one not bound by only greed and self indulgence.


Now Let's Discuss The Movie.
A Christmas Carol is a film directed by Robert Zemeckis. A Christmas Carol was released November 6, 2009 by Walt Disney Pictures. The film cost around $180 million to make and went on to gross $325 million worldwide. A Christmas Carol opened to mixed reviews with critics stating that the overabundance of 3D detracted from the brilliant performances given by Actors Gary Oldman & Jim Carrey.

Major Differences Between The Book Film

Book	Film
The sign above Ebeneezer's shop is weathered and worn.	The sign is new and polished.
The story begins 7 years after Marley has died.	Marley is shown dead and Scrooge takes the Tuppence off of his eyes to recoup his losses from having to pay the undertaker.
Bob is given Christmas day off with pay.	Bob has to beg for Christmas Day off.
During Marley's visit he takes a bandage off that has been wrapped around his head and his jaw to Ebeneezer's horror falls off.	This doesn't happen.
The Ghost of Christmas Past disappears when Ebeneezer looks away.	Since The Ghost of Christmas Past is a Candle, Ebeneezer snuffs him out using his Cap which is a candle snuffer.
The Ghost of Christmas Present takes Ebeneezer to a Miner's Cottage, a lighthouse and a Market before taking him to see Fred at his Christmas Party.	The Ghost of Christmas Present only takes Ebeneezer to visit both Fred's and Bob Cratchit's House.
This doesn't happen.	Ignorance & Want the two wretched Children under The Ghost of Christmas Present's robes become insane and violent adults.
The Ghost of Christmas Presents disappears at the stroke of midnight.	The Ghost of Christmas Present erodes into a skeleton and then turns to ash.
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come shows Ebeneezer the death of a wretched man. He does not know it is him whom the ghost speaks of.	Ebeneezer knows he has died and that none mourn him.
Fred loved his Uncle despite his many faults and is saddened by his death.	Fred and his wife take great joy in Ebeneezer's death since it means that they have inherited his wealth..
Ebeneezer's Charwoman, Laundress and Undertaker steal some of his belongings and pawn them to a man called Old Joe.	Mrs. Dilber steals stuff from Ebeneezer after his death and fences it to Old Joe. Two men attend his funeral for the free food.
Ebeneezer awakens from his night with the spirits a changed man. He spends the day with his nephew, gives Cratchit a raise and  also sends him a prize turkey along the way.	Ebeneezer also gives money to the poor and celebrates the Holiday with his fellow man. He doesn't raise Cratchit's salary until the following day.

These are the major differences I noticed when the book was taken From Page To Screen. Which do I prefer though?  The book wins it this week hands down. While I love the Jim Carrey version I prefer live action actors over animated ones in regards to this particular story. Plus nobody can top either Michael Caine or Patrick Stewart as Ebeneezer Scrooge although Jim Carrey does put in a very admirable effort. If you haven't done so I highly suggest reading the Novella if only to see how dark the story truly becomes before Scrooge finds redemption.

Still not convinced? Check out the trailer below!
___________________________________________ Well that about wraps up this weeks From Page To Screen. Have a recommendation for an upcoming From Page To Screen, let me know in the comments below!

Have you read the book or watched the film? 

Which did you like better? Why? 

What is your favorite quote or scene from A Christmas Carol? 

Which version of A Christmas Carol is your favorite?

Leave your answers in the comments below, I love to read your responses. Like what you see? Please share!