A Christmas Story - Movie Review

In a movie that was filmed in the 1940s, Ralphie Parker eases through a storytelling to search for the Christmas dream gun. From the harsh reality of parental caution to the thrilling impossibility of miracles, Ralphie captures the childlike spirit and maintain it while trying to convince his parents, teacher, and even Santa to give him what he wants in a holiday season. Comedy is used throughout the film, together with Ralphie’s imaginative events and the chaotic world of the family. Thanksgiving-day in the movie is an example that sets the foundation of Church and contemporary family humor. Nevertheless, it combines comedy with less trivial, warmer undertones delivering the audience a ray of a child’s love for the great vast world. Although the film is a comedy, aspects of tear jerker element are also employed and thus the film is perfect for the holidays and unifies the generations. Their portrayal of Ralphie’s parents by Darren McGavin and Melinda Dillon is vivid and nuanced and, though the humor is important, they are utterly endearing also. The complementary characters with Jean Shepherd providing the good-natured voiceover also add to the charm of the movie.

Based on the director Bob Clark the film brilliantly combines childhood’s freedom of thoughts with the themes of family happiness and difficulties. Setting and costumes generic to the 1940s make are well captured by Clark in the movie making the film timeless.

The use of music score by Carl Zittrer and Paul Zaza in the movie adds a nostalgic feeling in the movie. Accompanied by lyrics that combine classic holiday songs with playful melodies, much attention is paid to cheerfulness and simplicity of the plot.

The genuine cinematography of the Midwestern 1940s is a work of Reginald H. Morris. The snowy scenery and candles burning inside the houses give a real atmosphere of that time and make one warm inside, or, at least, eye the Christmas tree.

A historical and careful recreation of the environment brings the audience into that time. Everything here is exquisite, be it the older model automobiles, the manner in which interiors resemble that of the period and the like. This exaggeration progresses add to the film’s light-heartedness but does not interfere with the very realistic storyline.

The working of editor Stan Cole perfectly maintains the pace of the film that has a through feeling of nostalgia but is seamlessly intercut with the reality of Ralphie’s fantasy. Such transitions keep the(Cl.dict)The magical structure of the film reveals its main form of narration which is fairy tale-like.

The pace of the film benefits from being relatively stable with humorous sequences followed by serious, or even sad, moments. It maintains a pacing that makes the audience remain captivated by Ralphie’s story while keeping the emotions and jokes coming in reasonable intervals.

There are so many iconic lines in this film that reflect American childhood dream and family affection. Scholars attribute the narrative to its witty and warmwriting style that makes each character more realistic and funny, giving the interactions timelessness.

What is more, some of the viewers may find the filmunosustained, episodic narrative that doesn’t offer a profound plot progression. But this format is efficient enough to cover the mere episodes of childhood memories rather than a proper narrative. For this reason, it creates a positive impact on audiences by giving them a reminder of the holiday spirits everyone wants as children.