Dec. 23, 2021
By Samantha Mayer
Staff Writer
American film director Tim Burton has been making movies since 1984. He attended Burbank High School in California, where he graduated in the Class of 1967. From there, he went on to study animation at the California Institute of Arts in Santa Clarita, California. His inspiration comes from children’s author and illustrator Dr. Seuss, and he was motivated by his love for drawing and painting. Known for his unique style, Burton’s films are quirky and dark.
Among his most famous films are “Edward Scissorhands” (1990), “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (2005) and “Alice in Wonderland” (2010). He revolutionized the animation industry with his 1993 stop-motion film, “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” which approached a traditionally joyful holiday from a more pessimistic, yet ultimately uplifting, lens.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” originated in 1982 as a poem Burton wrote when he was an animator at Disney. Burton originally wanted this movie to be a television show, but it was not approved by TV studios and book publishers.
Conflict emerges in the film when Jack gets tired of his life in Halloween town and wants to make a change.
I’m so glad Burton ultimately made his vision into a reality with this movie because, of all of Burton’s films, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is my favorite.
I especially like the protagonist Jack Skellington and his love interest Sally. I enjoy watching their partnership and humorous exchanges.
Conflict emerges in the film when Jack gets tired of his life in Halloween town and wants to make a change. When venturing into the forest, Jack sees a large tree with a Christmas tree painted on the trunk, so he steps inside and gets transported to Christmastown, a place filled with joy and laughter.
Wanting to become Santa, Jack sends his friends from Halloween town to kidnap St. Nick. With St. Nick out of the picture, on Christmas night, Jack surprises the children with his dark presents inspired by his experiences in Halloweentown. While the gifts frighten the children, Jack acts with good intentions, thinking about his own town and his love for scaring kids. Their reactions make him happy, which makes him realize he is better off where he came from.
This movie displays how one’s intentions and actions can be misinterpreted and reminds viewers to give people the benefit of the doubt. It also reminds viewers about the importance of home and community, especially around the holidays.
Almost 20 years old, this film just doesn’t get old. It will get you in the spirit for gift-giving and family gatherings, which is why “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is my throwback holiday movie pick for this year.
