A love letter to the people who made The Nightmare Before Christmas
Dear all of you people who made The Nightmare Before Christmas,
I’m writing this letter just to tell you how much I loved your movie. I’m not entirely sure who to credit, so I send it to all of you.
I have to admit that I initially assumed that all glory was on Tim Burton. It’s easy to jump into conclusions when you see the alternative title “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”. But when I looked it up, it turned out that the director was someone else, Henry Selick. And then I learned that it took a team of 100 people three years to complete the movie. So regardless of who’s name is on it, I decided that it was a teamwork. Hence I want to thank all of you, credited or uncredited. You did an awesome job back in those days.
It’s been almost 20 years since it was released. 20 years! I know, it’s hard to believe. The technology has moved on to new places which you probably only dreamed of as you shot this in stop motion. But you know what? I couldn’t tell the difference. If someone said to me that The Nightmare before Christmas was made this year, I would totally buy into it. There’s something about it that makes it feel timeless.
There’s so about this film to like. The wry humour. The sweet love story. And the musical numbers, all those songs with catchy melodies and witty texts. But the aspect I love most of all is your exuberant imagination, all those creations of your imagination, all the detail and love you’ve put into the world and its inhabitants. I could watch this over and over again, never growing tired.
I know that I’m extremely late to the party, but now I’m here and I’m determined to stay, making this into one of my must-sees putting me in the right mood for Christmas.
Thank you. No one mentioned, no one forgotten.
Hugs
Jessica (45 years old but still a child)
The Nightmare Before Christmas (Henry Selick, US 1993) My rating: 5/5
The Velvet Café 
One of your very best reviews of a film Jessica – and a very archetypal “Jessica” review, coming at a film review from a different angle.
stnylan
December 19, 2012 at 1:57 am
Awww, thanks. You’re the best!
Jessica
December 19, 2012 at 8:56 pm
This was one of my favorite Christmas movies when I was a teen.
Dave Enkosky
December 19, 2012 at 2:25 am
I wish I could say the same! It’s really about time I saw it. But from now on it’s a favourite!
Jessica
December 19, 2012 at 8:57 pm
Thank you for reminding me of this film! It’s been so long since I saw it. Perhaps I should fix that.
klepsacovic
December 19, 2012 at 2:34 am
I endorse that!
Jessica
December 19, 2012 at 8:57 pm
One of my all-time favorites!!
Mister K
December 19, 2012 at 6:51 am
Mine too, from this point!
Jessica
December 19, 2012 at 8:57 pm
OMG, I’m so happy you liked it! It’s no secret that this is one of my all time favourite movies, regardless of genre. And no matter that I have almost watched it to bits, Jack’s first solonumber always, always takes my breath away. Even if Elfman have stagnated a bit over the years I can’t help but love him for the amazing score and soundtrack.
Sofia
December 19, 2012 at 8:05 am
Before you know it I’ll turn up in a TNBC-t-shirt! I’m totally on the same page as you.
Jessica
December 19, 2012 at 8:58 pm
Perhaps you could try James and the Giant Peach? Stop motion and Selick, but a more kid-oriented story from Roald Dahl.
Sofia
December 20, 2012 at 5:57 am
20 years?! That’s crazy. I was but small fry when this was released. Brilliant film though, absolutely love it!
Terry Malloy's Pigeon Coop
December 19, 2012 at 11:49 am
It’s brilliant! My only excuse for not watching it on release is that it was just around the time my two daughters were born. I was kind of busy. Anyway I’m glad I watched it now.
Jessica
December 19, 2012 at 8:59 pm
Priorities Jessica, priorities! 😉
Terry Malloy's Pigeon Coop
December 19, 2012 at 9:02 pm
I know. It’s just excuses. But I’m working on it. Catching up on everything I’ve missed the last 20 years or so. It’s a lot!
Jessica
December 19, 2012 at 9:04 pm
Staggered that it’s been 20 years. It’s a testament to all the people who worked on this film that The Nightmare Before Christmas still holds up now and doesn’t look like it’s aged a day. One of my favourite Christmas films. Great review, Jessica.
Jaina
December 19, 2012 at 12:39 pm
Thanks! From now on it will be one of my favourite Christmas films too!
Jessica
December 19, 2012 at 9:00 pm
31 Oct = 25 Dec
I remember recommending this movie to my brother as “halloween movie”. He enjoyed it too.
Good movies do not get old.
doaken
December 19, 2012 at 8:09 pm
Hey there! I’m glad you loved this too! It’s been ages since I saw you. We should change that.
Jessica
December 19, 2012 at 9:01 pm
Nice letter. Love this film! Very fun and a true classic.
fernandorafael
December 20, 2012 at 8:45 am
Thanks Fernando! It deserves the classic title.
Jessica
December 26, 2012 at 10:50 pm
We’re about the same age, and I am definitely still a child. Wouldn’t have it any other way. 😉 I really liked this movie, too. It’s so wonderfully atmospheric, quirky, and fun.
quirkybookandfilmbuff
December 20, 2012 at 5:34 pm
I’m not a day older than 17 regardless of what my passport says.
Jessica
December 26, 2012 at 10:50 pm
Well said, Jess. Well said indeed.
Rodney
December 22, 2012 at 3:31 am
Thanks Rodney!
Jessica
December 26, 2012 at 10:50 pm