Modern characters give 'A Christmas Carol' a new twist

By: Paresh Jha

Posted: 12/1/08

The holidays are upon us, ladies and gentlemen. And with the holidays comes all those classic holiday movies we love. Whether it's "A Christmas Story," "The Santa Clause" or "Miracle on 34th Street," these movies have a way of putting us all in the holiday spirit and place the focus on spending more money at department stores. If there is one holiday-themed tale that deserves a new definitive rendition on the big screen it is Charles Dickens' timeless "A Christmas Carol." This story has been done repeatedly in various TV shows, movies and comic books, so it is about time that a new, inventive interpretation of the story gets translated to the silver screen. One of the only directors with the imagination and creativity to make "A Christmas Carol" fresh and new is Tim Burton. His work on other classics like "Willy Wonka" and "Sweeney Todd" prove his durability and versatility as a director.

Ebenezer Scrooge

Clive Owen

Let's face it, Clive Owen looks pretty mean. His rugged face and stoic nature gives off the feeling of a very cold and stoic person. Now that is just from looking at him; Throw in his excellent acting skills and you have a perfect Scrooge. Purists might think he is too young for the role, but this is a new interpretation and we need a young, mean, hotshot boss to give Bob Cratchit and his family hell.

Runner up: Rufus Sewell ("A Knight's Tale")

Jacob Marley

Johnny Depp

It is not a Tim Burton film until Johnny Depp makes an appearance. He is the perfect fit to play the spirit of Marley, the dead business partner of Scrooge himself. Marley warns Scrooge of the spirits coming to show him the past, present and future so that Scrooge can eventually redeem himself and live a life full of Christmas spirit. Depp is great actor and can bring gravitas to any role even one with as little screen time as Marley's.

Runner up: None

Bob Cratchit

Edward Norton

Edward Norton can play the nice guy to perfection. He can play the bad guy as well, but he just looks like a nice simple pleasant guy much in the way Clive Owen looks like a mean guy. Cratchit is a soft spoken down on his luck kind of guy who works as a clerk under Scrooge. Norton has all the right attributes to make us feel bad for this guy.

Runner up: Jude Law ("Closer")

The Ghost of Christmas Past

Tilda Swinton

The Ghost of Christmas Past is described in the story as a weird, androgynous mix of old and young. Tilda Swinton has portrayed both men and women in many of her movies. She has the look in her eyes as though she really might not be human. She just recently got the Oscar for her role in "Michael Clayton" and her portrayals in "Burn After Reading" and "Constantine" exemplify the attributes the Ghost of Christmas Past needs.

Runners Up: Cate Blanchett ("I'm Not There")

The Ghost of Christmas Present

Jack Black

Now this can be both amusing and dramatic all at once. The Ghost of Christmas Present is supposed to be a big and nice man. The fact of the matter is that Jack Black fits both of those attribute. But do not think at this point that this film will take a turn toward craziness. Jack Black has proven his dramatic acting capabilities in "King Kong." He should be able to balance the humor and drama perfectly.

Runners Up: Will Ferrell ("Stranger Than Fiction")