THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1993) Movie Review
"The Nightmare Before Christmas" quickly become one of my favorite films as soon as it premiered for Halloween in 1993. The story explores the unity of two incompatible holidays: Halloween, which revolves around horror, and Christmas, which revolves around joy and hope. These two holidays, though they share a season and overlap in retail stores, could not be more different.
That is what Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloween Town, must learn in his life journey. Tired of the rut he feels of his holiday, he seeks out something completely different. This is where he finds Christmas Town, which is completely different. He becomes obsessed with Christmas. He strives to understand it.
Despite the horrific aspects of Halloween and the color features of Christmas, the story feels more close to Valentine's Day. The story a beautifully portrayed romance. No other film properly portrays the agony of unrequited love as "The Nightmare Before Christmas". Sally loves Jack, but Jack hardly recognizes her. Little does he know that her love holds the key to his understanding of Christmas.
Jack and Sally are kindred spirits. Both feel utterly alone and trapped in their small world. They yearn for more out of life. While Jack fixates on Christmas, Sally fixates on freedom from her prison. She is not happy unless she is outside indulging her curiosity and helping others. Specifically Jack.
She gives to him out of her selflessness on three different occasions. First, she makes him a mysterious concoction to help him with his experiment. Secondly, she agrees to make him a Santa suit. However, he remains oblivious to her feelings and his understanding of Christmas. Only when she risks her life to save Santa from the Oogie Boogie Man does Jack finally see what was in front of him the entire time. Finally, he comes to understand the meaning of Christmas.
LOVE.
Christmas is a story of love. When Jack accepts Sally's love, he also accepts Christmas in his heart. Both of them find the fulfillment they seek. Neither need to be lonely again. The tragedy of Halloween end and the spirit of Christmas begins.
