THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS
1993 • Henry Selick
Screenplay: Caroline Thompson; Adaptation by Michael McDowell; Story by Tim Burton
Voice Cast: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey, Glenn Shadix, Paul Reubens, Ken Page
Cinematography: Pete Kozachik
Music: Danny Elfman
Producers: Tim Burton, Denise Di Novi
Disney
Just because I cannot see it, doesn't mean I can't believe it!
The film that has single-handedly kept Hot Topic in business for the last 20 years. The Nightmare Before Christmas is a dark fantasy children’s musical that follows the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town. Tired of the same old routine in his spooky world, Jack stumbles upon Christmas Town and becomes enchanted by the idea of bringing Christmas cheer to his Halloween-loving community. He hatches a plan to take over Christmas, but his well-intentioned mission goes awry when his interpretation of the holiday clashes with the traditional festive spirit. Along the way, Jack discovers the importance of embracing one's own identity and appreciating the uniqueness of different holidays.
Every year, as the first leaves of autumn fall and the Spirit Halloween takes over that same spot in the strip mall, there's one movie that finds its way into my heart, remixing the boundaries of traditional holiday genres, and creating a cheerfully spooky mashup. The Nightmare Before Christmas is a film that seamlessly weaves the eerie charm of Halloween with the festive cheer of Christmas, making it not just one of my favorite Christmas movies, but also a staple for Halloween. Despite its initial marketing as a Disney kids' film, this creepy classic delves into the shadows, revealing a darkness that captivates both young and old audiences.
Tim Burton might not have been directly involved in the production, but his influence permeates every frame. Jack Skellington and other prominent characters came to life from his designs and he wrote a poem of the same name, about a skeleton and his love of Halloween. Burton leaves his unmistakable mark on the movie, even if he wasn’t in the studio capturing every shot of the beautiful stop motion. The result is a delightful concoction of the macabre and the magical, a visual feast that stirs the imagination.
The heart of the film lies in Halloween Town, a dream world populated by deformed monsters, ghosts, ghouls, goblins, vampires, werewolves, and witches. These creatures brought to life through marvelous animation, add a layer of depth to the story, making it a visual spectacle. The love for classic monsters is apparent in every ghastly grin, every lurching step, and every eerie cackle of the creatures that populate the film. Tim Burton's deep-seated affection for classic horror films and their iconic monsters is woven into the very fabric of Halloween Town, where the designs of the inhabitants pay homage to the creatures that have haunted our dreams and fueled our nightmares for generations. By infusing Halloween Town with these beloved creatures, the film becomes a love letter to the timeless appeal of classic monsters, reminding us of the enduring power of these iconic beings in shaping our collective nightmares and fueling our imagination.
The design of Halloween Town is a tribute to the aesthetic of German Expressionism. German Expressionism is renowned for its distorted and exaggerated visuals, often characterized by sharp angles, dramatic shadows, and surreal landscapes. In Halloween Town, these elements come to life in a way that is both captivating and haunting. The skewed buildings, twisted trees, and elongated shadows create a sense of otherworldly beauty, evoking a feeling of disquiet that perfectly mirrors the spirit of Halloween. The town's architecture, with its gnarled spires and crooked rooftops, mirrors the distorted perspectives often found in German Expressionist films like The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari or Nosferatu. The use of stark contrasts between light and shadow not only adds depth to the animation but also intensifies the eerie ambiance.
The film is a testament to the power of voice acting, with an ensemble cast that brings life to the film's iconic characters. At the heart of the cast is Chris Sarandon, whose velvety voice lends depth and complexity to Jack Skellington (while Danny Elfman’s voice belted out Jack’s songs), the Pumpkin King who experiences a crisis of identity. Sarandon's portrayal captures Jack's longing for something more, his voice resonating with both melancholy and determination. His ability to convey Jack's emotional journey adds layers to the character, making audiences empathize with the skeleton king's desire for self-discovery. Opposite Sarandon is Catherine O'Hara, whose vocal talents breathe life into Sally, the lovable ragdoll with a heart of gold. O'Hara's voice work is a delicate balance of innocence and wisdom, capturing Sally's resilience despite her delicate appearance. Additionally, the supporting cast, including William Hickey as Dr. Finkelstein, Ken Page as Oogie Boogie, and Paul Reubens as Lock, infuse their characters with unique personalities and quirks. Their vocal performances elevate the film's secondary characters, making them memorable and endearing in their own right.
Danny Elfman's songs, in particular, are unforgettable. From the spirited "This Is Halloween" to the delightful "What's This?" and the mischievous "Kidnap the Sandy Claws," every musical piece is a gem. And who can forget the wicked "Oogie Boogie’s Song?" These tunes have become anthems for fans, their catchy melodies and clever lyrics adding layers to the characters and the story. "This Is Halloween" introduces audiences to the ghoulish delights of Halloween Town, and captures the essence of the film's playful macabre. Its lyrics set the stage for the film's unique blend of darkness and whimsy:
Boys and girls of every age
Wouldn't you like to see something strange?
Come with us and you will see
This, our town of Halloween
"What's This?" is a delightful exploration of Jack Skellington's curiosity about the wonders of Christmas, comparing his fascination with the holiday to his experiences in Halloween Town. The song's sense of wonder and discovery is joyful, making it a standout moment that captures the film's central theme of embracing the unknown.
There's children throwing snowballs instead of throwing heads
They're busy building toys and absolutely no one's dead
There's frost on every window, oh, I can't believe my eyes
And in my bones I feel the warmth that's coming from inside
"Kidnap the Sandy Claws" showcases the mischievous Trick-or-Treaters of Lock, Stock and Barrell, and their sinister plans set to a lively tune. The song's playful lyrics and infectious energy add yet another layer of humor to the film.
Kidnap the Sandy Claws, throw him in a box
Bury him for ninety years, then see if he talks
And then there's "Oogie Boogie's Song," a black-hearted tune that accompanies one of the film's most memorable and sinister characters: The Oogie Boogie Man. The jazzy rhythm offsets Oogie Boogie's menacing lyrics, resulting in my favorite song in the film.
Oh brother, you're something
You put me in a spin
You aren't comprehending
The position that you're in
It's hopeless, you're finished
You haven't got prayer
'Cause I'm Mr. Oogie Boogie
And you ain't going nowhere
What makes these songs truly exceptional is their ability to enhance the characterization and storytelling. Each musical piece delves into the psyche of the characters, revealing their desires, fears, and motivations. Jack Skellington's longing for something more ("Jack's Lament"), Sally's yearning for freedom (“Sally’s Song”), and Oogie Boogie's nefarious schemes are all encapsulated within these melodies. Beyond their narrative significance, these songs have become anthems for fans, transcending the boundaries of the film. The catchy melodies and clever lyrics have inspired covers, remixes, and even entire theatrical productions, showcasing the enduring appeal of Elfman's musical creations. Covers of the songs have been recorded by bands like Marilyn Manson, Fiona Apple, The All-American Rejects, Korn and Amy Lee.
In an era where computer-generated animation reigns, The Nightmare Before Christmas stands as a remarkable testament to the enduring artistry of stop-motion animation. The meticulous attention to detail in every frame, the painstakingly crafted puppets, and the intricate sets showcase a level of artistry and dedication rarely seen in modern filmmaking. Selick's direction brought life to the characters in a way that felt tangible and authentic, capturing the subtle nuances of their expressions and movements, doing justice to the craft of stop-motion animation. The film's stop-motion animation represents a labor of love and an extraordinary feat of craftsmanship. Every character, from the iconic Jack Skellington to the smallest resident of Halloween Town, was meticulously sculpted, molded, and animated frame by frame. Each movement, gesture, and facial expression was carefully choreographed, resulting in characters that felt alive and real, despite being crafted from clay (molded in rubber) and fabric. Selick's direction elevated the art of stop-motion animation but also made it deeply human (skeleton.) The film's enduring appeal lies not just in its innovative animation techniques, but also in its ability to capture the essence of the holidays and the human experience. Selick's masterful direction makes it clear that stop-motion animation when executed with skill and passion, can create cinematic wonders. The Nightmare Before Christmas may just be the best stop-motion animated film of all time. (Sorry, Rudolph)
While initially a theatrical release, The Nightmare Before Christmas found its true home in the black hearts of goth viewers through home video sales. Its spooky narrative, coupled with its striking animation and banging music, turned it into a cult classic. It’s more mainstream now, but we liked it before it was cool, ok man? Each year, as the holiday season approaches, fans eagerly revisit Halloween Town and Christmas Town, reveling in the film's timeless appeal.
Kidnap the Sandy Claws, beat him with a stick, lock him up for ninety years, see what makes him tick.
Notoable Awards & Accomplishments
Academy Award Nominee: Best Visual Effects
Saturn Award Winner: Best Fantasy Film, Best Music
Golden Globe Nominee: Best Original Score
Streaming: Disney+
Digital Rental/Purchase: Available at most digital retailers
Physical Media: Available on 4K, Blu-Ray and DVD.
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