Day 11 of our 12 Days of Christmas
“Just because I cannot see it, doesn’t mean I can’t believe it.”
– Jack Skellington
“What’s this, what’s this?” A halloween movie on a Christmas list? Yes! The visual design of THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS encaptures the Halloween spirit, but the lessons learned are straight out of a Christmas playbook. On the surface, it is the standard tale of a midlife crisis. Despite Jack Skellington having fame, the King of Halloween is tired of the same-old thing so he tries something new. He attempts to “Kidnap the Sandy Claws” and take over Christmas. Things go wrong, and “Poor Old Jack” learns a lesson or two.
What makes this film a classic and also sets it apart are three things. The operatic haunting score and singable songs from Danny Elfman. The visual richness with something to see on every corner of the screen. And most important, the heart. When Tim Burton is good, he transports audiences to whimsical worlds. When he is brilliant, he adds the heart, turning his unique visual style into classics like this that hold a special place in my own heart.
Believe in the holiday spirit and make it a Christmas tradition to watch Jack lament annually on Disney +.
