Graphic by Cameron Johnson
Written by Cameron Johnson and Kyle Heise
Can a ’40s film about an out-of-luck banker and a ’90s animated film about the king of Halloweentown be more alike than you think? While “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” have vastly different features, they both tell the story of losing one’s way and finding it again through the Christmas spirit. Art critics Cameron Johnson and Kyle Heise discuss these two films and why they make the perfect holiday double feature.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” – Cameron
It’s my sincere hope that, at our core, everyone would like to be a generous person. If not that, we at least want to be a positive influence on those we love and respect. It’s demoralizing to think we’re not enough for ourselves and others, and it’s terrifying to wonder if we’re “worth more dead than alive.”
“It’s a Wonderful Life” follows George Bailey, the inheritor of Bailey Brothers Building and Loan in sleepy Bedford Falls. George grows up imagining a life of adventure and sees his father’s generosity and love of their town as sentimental and stifling. As George grows older, his generosity grows as well, and he forfeits his dreams to run the business and provide for his family. One fateful Christmas, believing he’s worth more dead than alive, George finds himself in a world where he never existed. He quickly sees how untrue that belief is.
Similar to “A Nightmare Before Christmas,” much of this movie is set outside of the holiday and shows a character who loses their sense of self over time. This movie speaks directly to people like George – those with family and responsibilities, who watch another year pass and reflect on what they’re missing. Because of its message of giving without expectation and assurance of everyone’s value, I highly recommend “It’s a Wonderful Life” as one of your holiday movies this year.
Though George’s lesson was learned overnight, real progress and self-love takes time and consistency. If you’re feeling depressed or suicidal this year, please speak to a loved one and/or a mental health professional. If you feel suicidal, please consider calling or texting The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” – Kyle
There are lots of things around Christmas that take getting used to: the extra weight put on from eating all the holiday desserts, the electrical bill from having a copious amount of lights on for weeks on end and the realization that, as an adult, you don’t need to wait for your parents to give you permission to open your presents, to name a few.
Similarly, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” takes a little time to get used to. The animation style, the tone and the general misdeeds of the characters may have to grow on you, but once they do, they deliver on a theme that is of utmost importance to the holiday season.
Jack Skellington is the Pumpkin King of Halloweentown, a universe filled with monsters, ghosts and ghouls dedicated to making Halloween as scary as it can be year after year. After another successful Halloween, Jack feels an unusual emptiness in his soul. After he accidentally discovers Christmastown, his soul is filled with joy. He plots to take over Christmas himself, kidnapping Santa along the way. He dons the red suit and drives the sleigh, but things do not go according to plan.
Like George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Jack is a man who’s lost his way. He feels empty, but his soul is soon filled with the love Christmas brings. While this sounds cliche, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” uniquely delivers its message. By presenting Christmas from the point of view of terrible monsters that are meant to scare us, we learn that the Christmas spirit looks different for everyone. For some, it’s sharing presents under a tree. For others, it’s realizing that Christmas is about love, and learning to love yourself is just as important, even if you’re a vampire, a werewolf, or the boogie man.
Final Thoughts
Though “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Nightmare Before Christmas” are different movies for different moods, watching back-to-back will make for a holiday movie experience that everyone can enjoy – and maybe even learn a little from. In either order works fine, though I (Cameron) suggest “It’s a Wonderful Life” last if you’re alone this season. If you’re with family and friends, “A Nightmare Before Christmas” is a crowd-pleaser and a good note to end the night with.
Christmas is a time that holds many meanings for many people. Whether you enjoy the folklore, the religious significance or the cultural relevance of the season, we here at SZNS hope you enjoy the holidays and spend time doing what you love. Whether near or far from home, consider sitting down for our suggested double feature and enjoy a moment of calm!
Thank you and Merry Christmas!
SZNS
SZNS MAG 