Tim Burton. Will we ever get to know the magic in his head? The famous animator, director, producer, and illustrator is known for his gothic horror and fantasy films, including Beetlejuice, Corpse Bride, Coraline and Edward Scissorhands. But, are all of his pieces just for the month of October? Do all of his creations fall into the Halloween category? The popular Disney movie, The Nightmare Before Christmas leaves critics wondering if Burton meant for this movie to be watched in celebration of Halloween or Christmas. So, which is it? Is this 1993 masterpiece a Halloween or Christmas film?
Let’s break it down. The plot of The Nightmare Before Christmas follows the main protagonist, Jack Skellington. Jack, the Pumpkin King, finds himself bored with the annual festivities on the 31st of October. When Jack accidentally stumbles upon a town with snow, candy canes and elves, he decides to investigate and ultimately take the holiday for himself. Soon, all of the citizens of Halloween Town are making toys for little boys and girls, getting ready for the big night when Jack becomes the new Santa Claus. The musical follows Jack’s ambitious personality and character. The excitement of Christmas Town sparks creativity which ultimately leads to disaster.
We all know and love the stereotypical Christmas rom-coms. A girl from the city travels to her childhood home in the country. She re-meets her childhood love interest and they rekindle their love. The girl is faced with a problem but ultimately remembers that she needs to follow her heart. “Family is everything” or “Spread holiday spirit” is a common theme in most Christmas movies. In contrast, Halloween movies have messages along the lines of “Everyone is beautiful in their own way” or “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” In The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jack realizes that his holiday is just as fun as Christmas and he needs to be himself. Even monsters can be proud of who they are.
However, the debate thickens. Many claims have stated that because the movie starts with talking about Halloween, it sets up the entirety of the film which surrounds Christmas. But, does mentioning Santa automatically deem the movie in the Christmas category? I think not. Christmas is the time of year for togetherness and family–- not commercialism. Just ask Charlie Brown. The Nightmare Before Christmas only highlights a commercialized Christmas. In the movie, Jack studies Christmas tales, creates reindeer, and learns how to make presents. He completely misses the purpose of the holiday. Jack shows frustration when he can’t grasp the point of Christmas. He has all the pieces, yet he can’t see what the holiday means. Have we learned nothing from Dr. Suess’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas?
Here’s what I’m thinking. Jack likes holidays that are commercialized. Halloween is a holiday where candy is promoted and costumes are purchased. I think that Jack only knows a holiday where what’s celebrated is the ‘stuff’ and not the purpose.
However, both sides can be supported. Not only is Christmas in the title, but people have also said that the film shows how one’s spirit is lifted during the Christmas season. Jack discovers Christmas Town and is instantly overjoyed. He believes his dreams and wishes finally come true when he steps into this new and unusual world. But here’s the thing: I think that if Jack was so down in the dumps about his own holiday, he would have found the same happiness if he had come across Easter or The Fourth of July. Granted, Burton chose Christmas, but I think Jack just needed a change of scenery. Say The Nightmare Before Christmas plot changed and Jack accidentally fell into the door labeled for Thanksgiving. He would feel the same pleasure of falling into Christmas Town because both places are different from his own. Jack seeks something new, it’s only a coincidence that it happens to be Christmas.
According to my reasoning and my research, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a Halloween movie. However, the film could easily be considered both. Burton movies can be watched no matter the time of year. Even in the heat of summer, rewatching The Nightmare Before Christmas can bring a smile to anyone’s face. Tim Burton, we love you.
