I've always loved The Christmas Carol! It was an important part of our annual tradition when I was growing up, and one which I passed on to my daughter. We usually watch the 1984 version followed by the Muppet's rendition which is so closely based on it, I can hardly watch one without seeing the other in my mind.
As a novelist, I was excited to watch a movie based on the writing process of one of the most well-known books ever penned. And I must say, I wasn't disappointed! I loved the movie and could relate with Dan Stevens enacting of Charles Dickens as he struggled through periods of writer's block followed by frenzies of inspiration.
My parents and daughter were at the theater with me and they found the most amusing part of the movie were its similarities to what they know of me as a writer: the way Dickens paced around his study mumbling names in order to find just the right one; the flopping on the floor in dramatic defeat; the blank staring at the page; visitation of a character in the dead of night; and the moment when inspiration dawns and is interrupted time and again... They've witnessed most of these moments through the years with me. I wrote my first full length novel when I was fifteen, and with the exception of one desert period, never stopped.
I don't think I've ever trashed a room or fired anyone, but I've never been on a six week deadline either.
Most creative personalities are by nature a bit eccentric, so it was entertaining and rewarding for me to relate so closely with such a famous writer. I think Charles Dickens and I definitely could have been kindred spirits.
If you haven't seen this movie yet, do yourself and a favor and go see it! I'm hoping to watch it again soon. Maybe it will help shake me from the blank staring I've been doing lately...
As a novelist, I was excited to watch a movie based on the writing process of one of the most well-known books ever penned. And I must say, I wasn't disappointed! I loved the movie and could relate with Dan Stevens enacting of Charles Dickens as he struggled through periods of writer's block followed by frenzies of inspiration.
My parents and daughter were at the theater with me and they found the most amusing part of the movie were its similarities to what they know of me as a writer: the way Dickens paced around his study mumbling names in order to find just the right one; the flopping on the floor in dramatic defeat; the blank staring at the page; visitation of a character in the dead of night; and the moment when inspiration dawns and is interrupted time and again... They've witnessed most of these moments through the years with me. I wrote my first full length novel when I was fifteen, and with the exception of one desert period, never stopped.
I don't think I've ever trashed a room or fired anyone, but I've never been on a six week deadline either.
Most creative personalities are by nature a bit eccentric, so it was entertaining and rewarding for me to relate so closely with such a famous writer. I think Charles Dickens and I definitely could have been kindred spirits.
If you haven't seen this movie yet, do yourself and a favor and go see it! I'm hoping to watch it again soon. Maybe it will help shake me from the blank staring I've been doing lately...
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