Re: project
Charles Dickens (cdickens@RMPLC.CO.UK)
Thu, 18 Dec 1997 16:47:08 -0100
My dear Miss Webster,
You ask much of a man who died in 1870! What can I say about movies?
Well, a little I suppose. I am aware of most based upon my "Carol."
But I cannot remember feeling that any one strayed far from my meaning.
When I was planning the book I spoke of "striking a hammer blow" for the
poor. I think what I say in the book is not much less obvious than a hammer
blow.
But much depends of course on what you mean by movies "based on" my book.
Arguably, it is not only films called "A Christmas Carol" or "Scrooge" that
are based upon it. You could say that "It's a Wonderful Life" is, even that
"Groundhog Day" is. I hope I am not flattering myself. For all its power,
"It's a Wonderful Life" changes what I had to say in "A Christmas Carol."
Scrooge has to learn where he has gone wrong. The James Stewart character
in "It's a Wonderful Life" has to learn where he hasn't gone wrong. Though
in some ways more remote from the "Carol," "Groundhog Day," I'm tempted to
think, resembles it more. The Bill Murray character is forced, by a kind of
ruthless compassion, to see himself for what he is, and thus to change.
Faithfully yours,
Charles Dickens
____________________________________________________________________________
________
> Dera Mr.Dickens,
>
> I am doing a project for my OAC english calss. For my oral
>presentation I must
>talk about your book A CHRISTMAS CAROL. I must compare the movies that have
>been based on your
>book. From there I must decide if they hold the same meanings and themes as
>your book. Could
>you please send me your opinion on the matter as it would greatly help my
>project.
>
> Thank you, Sarah Webster (Canada)
>
>
======================
Charles Dickens
charles_dickens@rmplc.co.uk
Author