Line #11 YMMV/AChristmasCarol1984


1	* AlternativeCharacterInterpretation:
2	** Creator/GeorgeCScott's Scrooge is just as compelling for his originality as his believability, playing him as the loneliest man in the world who, at the start, pretends to be content to live as he does while being angry at the world in general. There's his AdaptationalVillainy and coldness, with the fact that he smirks and laughs in disdain at others' kindness and Christmas cheer. He's also more of a tough nut to crack than most Scrooges, responding to the ghosts' revelations with a blend of humor, self-defense, denials, and DontYouDarePityMe even as he's [[StepfordSnarker clearly shaken and softening]] until the moment when he finally vows to change and collapses in BrokenTears at his own grave. His post-HeelFaceTurn manner is less wildly giddy than others (apart from one adorable moment of gleefully jumping on his bed) but blends joy and warmth with the same reserve and dignity he had before, as well as a due sense of regret and apology for his past actions. This three-dimensional approach also makes Scrooge easy for the viewer to identify with and be happy for as he comes around.
3	** The Ghosts of Christmas Past and Present are both more CruelToBeKind than usual. Past responds with smirking sarcasm to Scrooge's attempts to defend his mistakes (and really seems to smugly get off on finally making Scrooge lose his composure at seeing Belle and her husband pity him), while Present is possibly the angriest portrayal of that spirit ever put to screen.
4	** Creator/DavidWarner's Bob Cratchit is less meek and pathetic than many other portrayals and more of a stolid, quietly dignified IronWoobie, which makes it especially heartbreaking when he finally breaks into ManlyTears over Tiny Tim's death.
5	** Belle. Instead of being TheIngenue as per her standard characterization, she comes off much more strong-willed and bitter about Scrooge's neglect. When she asks Scrooge if he'd still try to win her now if he ''hadn't'' originally engaged with her, he attempts to mask his [[TheDitherer dithering]] by [[ManipulativeBastard accusing her of doubting that he would]]. In the book, she lets the comment slide; here, Belle [[WhatTheHellHero calls him out]] on his RevealingCoverup, implying that this above all was proof that their romance really is over. She still feels [[AlasPoorVillain sympathy]] for him years later, though, when she learns from her husband how alone he is, and the fact that her husband [[ReplacementGoldfish looks quite a bit like Scrooge's younger self]] might imply that she never really got over him.
6	* SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic: The main theme, "God Bless Us Everyone".
7	** The orchestral score has a very seasonal richness and softness, ranging from wistful tenderness to creeping dread, abject terror, and serene euphoria.
8	* CantUnHearIt: Creator/GeorgeCScott surprisingly gave one of the best interpretations of Scrooge. Ditto Creator/DavidWarner as Bob Cratchit.
9	* FauxSymbolism: There is an argument that the amount of light the Three Spirits have, from Past with almost 100% down to Future with almost zero, is symbolic of Scrooge's journey.
10	* HarsherInHindsight: Scrooge's declaration that Christmas is a "false, commercial enterprise" seems eerily prescient today.
11	* JerkassWoobie: Although Scrooge is a horrible person for 3/4 of the film, it's easy to feel sorry for him when you consider his FreudianExcuse. It also helps if the viewer considers that Scott portrays him as the loneliest man in the world.
12	* MisaimedFandom: Creator/GeorgeCScott plays Scrooge as deflecting the effects of the Ghosts' visits with humor, anger, and denial, while still being affected by what he sees. Some people missed that he ''was'' affected until the end when he breaks down, and thought he changed at the very last second.
13	* {{Narm}}: When Marley prepares to speak, he removes the bandage from around his jaw, which flops open as if broken. It's as close to BodyHorror as a TV movie from the 80s could be permitted but can be quite comical.
14	** NarmCharm: That blend of comedy and horror is very close to the scene's tone in the book, however.
15	* RetroactiveRecognition:
16	** Creator/JoanneWhalley appears briefly in an early role as Scrooge's sister Fan. She was not yet a well-known actress at the time.
17	** Mrs. Dilber is played by Creator/LizSmith, who would later be best known for playing Mrs. Cropley in ''Series/TheVicarOfDibley'' and Nana in ''Series/TheRoyleFamily''.

Context YMMV / AChristmasCarol1984