A Christmas Carol: Similarities Between The Movie And The Novel

Many have heard of A Christmas Carol, a famous book by the author Charles Dickens. Charles Dickens wrote the short novel in 1843 in the mid years of his life. Long after his death in 1870, a live action film was made to tell his story to the eyes in 1984. Recently, my classmates and I watched this live action film and recorded the changes and similarities between the two. What are some of these differences and similarities between the novel and the movie, which were made over a century apart?
One major similarity between the movie and the book is the way Scrooge meets and interacts with the four spirits. From Jacob Marley’s startling revival to The Ghost of Christmas Future’s deathly appearance, the traits of these spirits meet the book to a tee. Another major similarity for the two has to be dialogue. I was surprised to know that many of the lines from the novel are said exactly the same in the movie, and they aren’t just the stand out lines such as “If they would rather die, they had better do it and decrease the surplus population.” they were also much simpler lines such as “A poor excuse for picking a man’s pocket every twenty-fifth of December!” Oh, and as far as similarities go, let’s not forget how well the movie mirrors Scrooge’s character changes throughout his journey

from spirit to spirit.
Even with such strong similarities, there are bound to be differences made when crossing the threshold from book to film such as the fact that in the movie, Bob does not work in a small separated cell, but rather off to the side from Scrooge.

There is also a loss from the book’s excitement when Martha is neither late nor surprises Bob and Tiny Tim as they return home from church. Another change was made to the movie’s introduction when it started with “dead as a door nail” rather than ended with it. Also, in the film, Scrooge and The Ghost of Christmas Present do not visit near as many places as in the book, instead making their third and final stop at a place where the homeless

resided.
There are also the technical aspects to consider when it comes to the film making process. The film has many visual and audio advantages over the novel as it can add to the moods of the movie. Dark lighting, ominous music, and interesting camera angles can help create a great feeling of suspense, and Warm lights, cheery music and laughter, and scenes that are alive with snow can create a sense of Christmas merriment. With visual aids it is much easier to create a specific mood or feelings. The sounds and music tie the movie together, bringing the book to life.
In conclusion, while a movie may be more life-like, I’m a stickler for things that are original and their own.The book also includes many scenarios missing from the movie, and can be taken with you anywhere. Books also help expand your vocabulary and reading skills. With all of these reasons to back me up, I can say that I much prefer the book over the film.