How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Director: Ron Howard
Cast: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski
Inspired by Dr. Seuss’s classic story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas follows the journey of the Grinch, as he goes from being a misunderstood child to a lonely recluse, and ultimately discovers the true meaning of Christmas.
While the Grinch is regarded as a frightening and reclusive monster who loathes Christmas with a passion, in truth, the Grinch is a victim of the world’s persecution and his own fragile psyche who regards Christmas not as a time of joy, but as a reminder of his painful past. The Grinch’s heart is a symbolic illustration of the Grinch’s emotions. His small heart is not the reason for his monstrosity, but rather a representation of the Grinch’s suppressed emotions. He was hurt deeply as a child and he buried the pain so he would not feel it.
The Grinch reflects an aura of intimidation around others, but this is merely a mask. When he is alone, the mask falls away to reveal the Grinch as a sad, lonely individual who is held prisoner by his own pain. Although he experiences a moment of reluctant joy when Cindy Lou invites the Grinch to join the Whos in their Christmas celebration, the joy is soon extinguished by the excruciating trauma of his past and sparks the Grinch’s diabolical scheme to steal Christmas. When the Grinch realizes the true meaning of Christmas – that it is not the glitter and magic of material things, but rather the love that is given and shared, he is finally able to break the dark and painful shackles binding his heart and his emotions are restored.
Cindy Lou Who is perhaps a child-like reflection of the Grinch. While the other Whos are caught up in the glitter and revelry of an artificial Christmas, Cindy Lou is the only one among them who desires to find the deeper meaning behind the holiday. While the Grinch is determined to silence the Whos’ celebration and avoid Christmas at all costs, Cindy Lou invites him to join the Whos’ celebration as an honored guest. Cindy Lou’s compassion for the Grinch is the catalyst which restores the Grinch’s heart. Her determination to regard the Grinch not as a monster but as a friend allows the Grinch to heal the painful wounds of his past and find acceptance with the Whos, and ultimately gives Cindy Lou the missing piece of Christmas that she yearns for as well.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a unique and heartwarming film that defines the true spirit of Christmas. While the creative design of the film is flamboyant and a bit overpowering, the essence of the story and the especially Jim Carrey’s brilliant interpretation of the Grinch is inspiring. I would highly recommend this film to anyone who loves Christmas at its best.
© 2013 – 2016 Keriane Kellogg. All rights reserved.
Director: Ron Howard
Cast: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski
Inspired by Dr. Seuss’s classic story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas follows the journey of the Grinch, as he goes from being a misunderstood child to a lonely recluse, and ultimately discovers the true meaning of Christmas.
While the Grinch is regarded as a frightening and reclusive monster who loathes Christmas with a passion, in truth, the Grinch is a victim of the world’s persecution and his own fragile psyche who regards Christmas not as a time of joy, but as a reminder of his painful past. The Grinch’s heart is a symbolic illustration of the Grinch’s emotions. His small heart is not the reason for his monstrosity, but rather a representation of the Grinch’s suppressed emotions. He was hurt deeply as a child and he buried the pain so he would not feel it.
The Grinch reflects an aura of intimidation around others, but this is merely a mask. When he is alone, the mask falls away to reveal the Grinch as a sad, lonely individual who is held prisoner by his own pain. Although he experiences a moment of reluctant joy when Cindy Lou invites the Grinch to join the Whos in their Christmas celebration, the joy is soon extinguished by the excruciating trauma of his past and sparks the Grinch’s diabolical scheme to steal Christmas. When the Grinch realizes the true meaning of Christmas – that it is not the glitter and magic of material things, but rather the love that is given and shared, he is finally able to break the dark and painful shackles binding his heart and his emotions are restored.
Cindy Lou Who is perhaps a child-like reflection of the Grinch. While the other Whos are caught up in the glitter and revelry of an artificial Christmas, Cindy Lou is the only one among them who desires to find the deeper meaning behind the holiday. While the Grinch is determined to silence the Whos’ celebration and avoid Christmas at all costs, Cindy Lou invites him to join the Whos’ celebration as an honored guest. Cindy Lou’s compassion for the Grinch is the catalyst which restores the Grinch’s heart. Her determination to regard the Grinch not as a monster but as a friend allows the Grinch to heal the painful wounds of his past and find acceptance with the Whos, and ultimately gives Cindy Lou the missing piece of Christmas that she yearns for as well.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a unique and heartwarming film that defines the true spirit of Christmas. While the creative design of the film is flamboyant and a bit overpowering, the essence of the story and the especially Jim Carrey’s brilliant interpretation of the Grinch is inspiring. I would highly recommend this film to anyone who loves Christmas at its best.
© 2013 – 2016 Keriane Kellogg. All rights reserved.