What's this? The dream about Christmas (cinematheque) (vhs) (screen)

Rating: 10/10 (4 May 2012)

As "Hook", this is a movie that i have discovered first by its soundtrack, having bought the import during a family trip to Paris in 1993 (the same where we have seen "Schindler"). After opening it, I was surprised to see a booklet of songs, having just expected a score from Danny. At the listening, I find it wonderful, all the more than Danny is a great singer as well. Frankly, i don't remember my feelings when I watched it at its release, except than i bought the VHS later. Now, this is the movie that opens the Burton's festival at the Cinematheque, thus i can tell today.
For me, it stands as a unique and inventive piece of imagination, sublimated by the score, an incredible art and an astounding craft. It's dark but funny as well (I love the one-eyed mummy), frightening and tender. The characters show a lot of soul and it's such amazing for just plastic ones. I still don't understand why Danny's musical effort has been snubbed at Oscars because he delivers such great themes and lyrics! The story is a jewel because the idea of a magic place made of holidays is just totally fairy tale. If the action is sometimes a bit vague (what's is the secret of X-Mas?), the screen is so full of details that it's a non-stop feast for the eyes. At last, the movie is paired with "Vincent" (a bit too sad) and with the "Frankenweenie" that is maybe the best short I have ever seen: as in "Nightmare", it's filled of emotion and it has all the themes that Tim would film in his long career!
My conclusion is that Tim and Danny should have done a "Nightmare 2" instead of "Corpse Bride" where the alchemy doesn't repeat.