This book by Chris Van Allsburg was a 1986 Caldecott Award winner. Both the book and the movie share the same basic plot. However, the movie contained more details, dialogue, characters, and character development. The movie added the role of the homeless man atop the train, the conductor and his crew, and the role of the elves. Plus, the movie developed the role of the conductor quite substantially. I believe this was a wise move, since the viewer might feel uneasy about going on a train ride to an unknown place without a friendly adult close at hand. Since the book is a picture book, it makes sense that some elaboration in the movie was necessary. I do not feel that the added material detracted from the book in any way. In fact, I believe it added just the right amount of complexity and interest that movie goers demand. I particulary enjoyed the annoying child on the train. Personally, the illustration in the book are my favorite of any children's book. I like the cool, soft, glow that accompanies the train scenes. My favorite scene is the wolf scene in the forest. The illustrations give the story a timeless quality. The setting of the boy's home is not highly specific, but generic, so that the reader can feel that the boy might just live around the block. Overall, this Christmas story is already a classic in my view and deserves the recognition it has received.
No comments:
Post a Comment