A Christmas Story

Plot

The plot of this movies follows very closely to that of the book, with a few significant differences.The primary difference is that the movie doesn't not contain an opening sequence with the older Ralphie and the woman with the badge against toys. In the movie, the characterization of Ralphie is further developed through the character, Scut, the neighborhood bully. Through Ralphie's change in reaction to the bully, as he later fights him, a courageous aspect of Ralphie's character becomes evident. Other differences in plot are further repetition of the famous line, "You'll shoot your eye out." Also, Ralphie's friend finds himself stuck to a flagpole after licking this. I feel that this played no significant part in character development, but was merely provided for the entertainment aspect. Furthermore, the movie did stay close to the plot of the actual obtaining of the Red Ryder and the many "tasks" Ralphie went through in order to convince his parents/Santa of his need for it.

Point of View

The point of view in this movie is also the same as in the book. It is clear that the story is being told by an older version of Ralphie, although he is never literally present in the story. Throughout, the narrator tells the story as if he is looking back in his past. The real difference comes in the ability to expand upon the dialogue the characters undergo, as much of a movie is dialogue, where as much of the story is description of emotion and thought. This difference portrays more of the characters, but less of their actual thought processes. As in the book, the only thought process visible is that of Ralphie in the past. Thus, although the point of view is unchanged, the format in which the point of view is presented changes the insight provided.

Characterization

The character of Ralphie is relatively the same between the story and the movie. The movie expands upon his actions, whereas the story expands upon his thoughts and then his actions ultimate consequences. Ralphie of the movie is seemingly more tempered, in reference to his fight with Scut, as well as his slip of the "F-word." In the book, he appears more scheming and less dream-ridden. In the movie, there are several sequences of Ralphie's dreams with the Red Ryder. However, there are less in dealing with the way in which he has planned to get it. The movie really shows more of the family and friend interaction in Ralphie's life than it does in his methods to obtain the Red Ryder. I feel that the movie changes Ralphie's character a bit and makes him more desperate for the gun than in the book. This may seem contradictory as compared to the earlier statements, but because the movie is focused on action over a 1.5 to 2 hr time range, much of the film is filled with Ralphie's want of the gun, and how that affects his family life. The book mainly focused on how he would convince his family of his need of it, but not on much interaction with the family itself.

Setting
The setting of this story is also Hammond, Indiana. It takes place in the winter, as does the story, and it emphasizes the fact that it is Christmas season. The school appears more often in this story, as does the home. In particular, the school seems to help with Ralphie's characterization, in reference to the personalities displayed by his friends. The home takes a center as the place of Ralphie's plans, and dreams for the Red Ryder. Several of his dream sequences are of him in his home, protecting his family, Thus, the home is a prominent setting in this movie, as much so, and possibly, more so, than it was in the book.

 Theme

The theme of this movie, I believe is similar to that of the story. However, with the added emphasis on family, I think the true goal of this movie was to show how Christmas time allows everything to be put aside for love. Where the book focused on the joy of giving, the movie focuses on the joy of family being together, even if things don't seem to be going right (as in the loss of turkey to a neighbor's pack of dogs.) The premise of the movie is to emphasize quality time with the family, even in watching the movie itself. I think because the family is the center of the plot in this movie, it is the center of the theme as well. The family is what brings joy in this case, not so much the giving of gifts.