Classic 80s Movie: “A Christmas Story”

Today’s Classic 80s Movie guest post comes from Jonathan Melikidse

Movie Title: A Christmas Story

Year: 1983

Writers: Jean Shepherd (based on the novel “In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash” by Jean Shepherd), Leigh Brown and Bob Clark

Lead Actors: Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Scott Schwartz

Director: Bob Clark

Plot Summary: Ralphie, a young boy growing up in 1940 northern Indiana, dreams of getting a Red Rider BB gun for Christmas. He sets out to convince the world this is the perfect gift; but along the way, he runs into opposition from his parents, his teacher and even Santa Claus.

Why I Think This Is A Classic 80s Movies: A simple story of a boy with a mission — to get the gift he has always wanted. But, the title “A Christmas Story” let’s us know this is about far more than that. While following little Ralphie on his determined quest to convince anyone and everyone a Red Rider BB gun is the right (and safe) gift for him this Christmas, “A Christmas Story” is really about the magic of the holiday through the eyes of a young boy in an average American family. This film not only captures the period it is set in; it also manages to transcend a specific era by still holding up today.

Every character in this film has their own story and their own problems. They are all relatable. And, most of all, their idiosyncrasies don’t conflict with each other, they function as a whole creating a realistic family. Without getting heavy or sappy, this movie has you rooting for the hero and loving the entire cast. Without a doubt a classic!

My Favorite Moment In The Movie: Ralphie, frustrated and angry that Christmas doesn’t look like it will turn out in his favor, unleashes a wrath of fury on the school bully and let’s a barrage of curse words fly that would’ve even raised an eyebrow from the late great George Carlin. But, the beauty of it all… we never hear more than jumbled nonsense.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvijyBIgazE

Ralphie as Adult: [narrating] Meanwhile, I struggled for exactly the right BB gun hint. It had to be firm, but subtle.
Ralphie: Flick says he saw some grizzly bears near Pulaski’s candy store!
[everyone stares at Ralphie]
Ralphie as Adult: [narrating] They looked at me as if I had lobsters crawling out of my ears.

Flick: Are you kidding? Stick my tongue to that stupid pole? That’s dumb!
Schwartz: That’s ’cause you know it’ll stick!
Flick: You’re full of it!
Schwartz: Oh yeah?
Flick: Yeah!
Schwartz: Well I double-DOG-dare ya!
Ralphie as Adult: [narrating] NOW it was serious. A double-dog-dare. What else was there but a “triple dare you”? And then, the coup de grace of all dares, the sinister triple-dog-dare.
Schwartz: I TRIPLE-dog-dare ya!
Ralphie as Adult: [narrating] Schwartz created a slight breach of etiquette by skipping the triple dare and going right for the throat!
http://youtu.be/_RgCbcT8eEU

Key Things You Should Look For When Watching This Movie:

The Tension or Conflict throughout. Obviously, the relentless denial Ralphie gets from everyone.- “You’ll shoot your eye out!” But, every character comes across it:

The Old Man Parker is embattled and tired constantly breaking things he thinks he can fix.

Randy not being able to move his arms after being wrapped for the cold by his overly cautious mother.

Mother Parker having to put up with the Leg Lamp.

Flick’s tongue stuck to the pole.

Even the Bully, Scut Farkus, can’t just bully without getting whooped.

Also, the directing and editing of this film is amazing. With the constant narration of Ralphie as an adult, they are able to play his memories right into the action on the screen. The Narration adds to the moment rather than taking away from it. This scene below sums it all up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdA__2tKoIU

Thanks, Jonathan! To show our gratitude for your guest post, here’s a dash of creative juju for you. Whoosh!

Tomorrow: Another Classic 80s Movie!

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