Andrea’s Angle | The Nightmare Before Christmas : It’s a Scary Christmas After All!

The Two Gay Geeks and our Staff are taking a much needed break from Thanksgiving through the end of the year. But, we still wanted to have content for you to read during that time. As such we got busy and watched all of our favorite holiday videos. Some are classics and others are off-beat and loosely associated with the holidays. We hope you enjoy our offerings and that you holiday season is safe, sane, and satisfying.

I love Nightmare before Christmas. It is the perfect blend between demented and joyful in the haunting music and creepy characters. Like all Christmas movies, it is about togetherness and joy, with the twist that it celebrates the joy of being yourself, even if that’s Halloween Jack or Santa Claus.

Part of what makes it so delightful are the characters, distinctive and iconic. Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon), the King of “Halloween Town” is both demonic but also sweet and playful in his desire for change. Sally (Catherine O’Hara), the cross stitch doll, is strong, clear sighted and loving as she attempts to save Jack from himself. One of my favorites is Oogie Boogie (Ken Page), wicked, trying to take over Halloween Town and his song is one of the most memorable pieces as is the song of his minions, Lock, Stock, and Barrel as they delight in kidnapping Santa Claus. The characters take such gleeful delight in putting on the scares for Halloween as well as warping the Christmas toys and decorations in to new, creepy designs. For the people in this town, scaring people is their purpose. They serve a purpose just like Christmas and they are true to who they are.

I also adore the music. Jack’s lament is haunting and beautiful as he tries to discover why he is discontent. Kidnap the Sandy Claws is fun and hilarious as Lock, Stock and Barrel try to figure out how to capture the Jolly Saint Nick. Oogie Boogie’s song just rocks and sends a shiver down your spine. The music helps drive the film along, giving insight and while the film would be good without it, it is these melodies that make it an excellent movie.
Now, the question is, why is it a Christmas movie? It has everything, scares, joy, love, Halloween, Christmas and even the Easter Bunny. But most of all, it has hope, joy, and miracles. Christmas is about spending time with family and friends and at the end of the movie, everyone in Halloween Town spends time with their loved ones, just like any town anywhere. Despite the scariness, the monsters and spooks feel love and joy, and so Santa gives them a taste of the holiday just like everyone else.

If you haven’t seen this, I question why. But if you haven’t, make this your pick for the holiday season. Children will love the monsters and tricks, adults will love the music and ideas, especially being true to yourself. And after all, who doesn’t need a break from the more candy laden Christmas movies. Take a break and enjoy the monsters for a change.

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