The Man Who Invented Christmas

Adapting Les Standiford's titular 2008 book about Charles Dickens's writing of A Christmas Carol, director Bharat Nalluri introduces the self-absorbed Dickens (Dan Stevens) in 1842, relishing his triumphal speaking tour of the United States. A year and three publishing “flops” later, 31-year-old Dickens is back in Victorian-era London, wrestling with writer's block and insistent bill collectors. When he pitches a Christmas book to his publishers, they scoff at the idea, informing Dickens that Christmas is a “minor holiday.” After conferring with his friend/agent John Forster (Justin Edwards), Dickens decides to publish the book himself—if he can get the inspiration to finish it. Suddenly, the vivid apparition of slyly crotchety Ebenezer Scrooge (Christopher Plummer) appears, along with Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim (“We know that Dickens did carry on conversations with his characters, so that's based on the true story, and we've invented his interior thoughts,” explains screenwriter Susan Coyne). While all of this is happening in Dickens's feverish imagination, he is also forced to confront several real-life dilemmas, including his wife's latest pregnancy, and his genial, ne'er-do-well father (Jonathan Pryce), who is once again leaning on him for loans. The unexpected arrival of his father ignites recollections of Charles's impoverished childhood, when he worked in a boot-blacking factory where he was mercilessly bullied. And it soon becomes obvious that Dickens must come to terms with his inner demons before he can finish his holiday tale. Fact and fantasy intertwine in this endearing but also rather slight holiday trifle. A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include a behind-the-scenes featurette (3 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: a small extras package for a so-so, fanciful bio-pic.] (S. Granger)