Under a velvety sky, winter whispers its secrets in the falling snow. The air shimmers with the warmth from a crackling hearth, casting dancing shadows on the walls. Outside, the world sleeps beneath a pristine white blanket, streetlights painting the serene landscape in a soft, golden glow. You are nestled deep within a plush arm-chair, cocooned in a warm embrace of comfort. A steaming cup of cocoa warms your hands as the TV casts a gentle hue in the room.
You browse, searching for a cinematic escape to melt away the winter chill. The familiar charm of a Christmas Rom-Com with its corny sweetness promising a good time appeals to you. But as the movie unfolds, a thought drifts into your mind like a wisp of smoke: isn't there something more to cinema than predictable tropes and saccharine endings?
Prior to the popularisation of cinema, Christmas plays were held. These date back to mediaeval times. These plays were performed in churches, depicting the story of Jesus' birth. During the Renaissance period, mystery plays incorporating humour and satire depicting biblical narratives were popular. In the 17th century, Puritans, who believed that theatre was immoral, suppressed these plays, but they regained popularity in the 19th century focusing on family-friendly entertainment. Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" in 1843 popularised festive plays. This classic play has now been adapted into numerous films. The transition of Christmas plays to movies has been a significant cultural phenomenon. These movies often capture the spirit of the original plays while incorporating cinematic elements to appeal to wider audiences. One notable example is the 1938 film adaptation of "A Christmas Carol," starring Reginald Owen. Over the years, countless versions of this story have been produced for the big screen, including animated and modernised interpretations. The transition from stage to screen has allowed these timeless Christmas tales to reach broader audiences and become cherished traditions in the form of holiday movies.
An industry that started out with great momentum has now evolved into one that does not satisfy. The quality of production it once held has now deteriorated, relying heavily on clichés, sentiments and nostalgia to attract the viewer. The magic of a truly great film, unlike the fleeting charm of a Christmas cliché, lingers long after the credits roll. It's an enchantment that transcends the screen, weaving intricate threads of storytelling and breathtaking visuals into the tapestry of your mind. The characters and their journeys etch into your heart, stirring thoughts that linger and inspire. This is the intellectual satisfaction that cinema offers. It is a resonance that elevates the experience to a level of appreciation.
But we often settle for the predictable comfort of Christmas movies with their formulaic stories fostering a warm, familiar feeling that can smother the thrill of not knowing what's coming. The pressure to please a broad audience often leads to clichés, the same themes of love, family, and redemption trotted out year after year like worn out sweaters. Yet, the audience consumes this year after year. Thus, leading the directors and producers to release more mediocre films. The sentimentality in these movies can turn forced, leaving viewers unmoved by the predictable emotional swells. These movies, while guaranteed hits, often lack the polish of true cinematic gems, their low budgets are evident in the occasional weak performance or simplistic set designs.
In recent years, recognizing the limitations of the traditional Christmas narrative, the industry is attempting to embrace inclusivity. No longer being bound by the confines of its whitewashed past, Christmas movies are becoming more inclusive of cultures, traditions, and perspectives. This is fostering a connection and representation for a wider audience. This inclusivity enriches the viewer's holiday experience, allowing us to share and celebrate the mosaic of traditions that make up the season.
Of course, not all Christmas movies fall prey to predictability. Films like "Home Alone," "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," and "The Nightmare Before Christmas" stand as testaments to the genre's potential for originality and engagement. But even within this elite group, a vast majority fail to truly captivate.
The power of cinema lies in its ability to transcend the conventional, with unpredictable plotlines and dynamic characters that provoke the viewer’s thoughts. It's a platform for innovative storytelling, where skillful cinematography and nuanced acting create an immersive reality. Through exploring complex themes and shedding light on unconventional perspectives, cinema brings us to new intellectual heights and encourages us to think critically. Unlike familiar plots, exceptional cinema thrives on the element of surprise, resisting norms and delving into exciting new narratives that truly resonate.
This Christmas, let's break free from the predictable and dive into the magic of cinema that truly captivates, stimulates, and resonates. Let us seek out films that expand our horizons. Within the flicker of the silver screen, lies a universe waiting to be explored, a universe where every frame whispers the promise of a deeper experience. So, settle in, grab your cocoa, and let the magic unfold. This Christmas, choose stories that linger long after the last snowflake falls, stories that warm the soul and ignite the fire of imagination. Let it carry you to a place where the true magic of the season lies!
- Khushii Mathur