Cast
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Nicollette Sheridan
as Charlotte Hart
Bart Johnson
as Daniel Huntslar
Amanda Foreman
as Pam
Sammi Hanratty
as Morgan
Tristan Lake Leabu
as Christopher
Olympia Dukakis
as Gwen Hollander
Ian Short
as Reverend Stevens
Roger Jerome
as Mayor Ramsey
Nathan Neorr
as Tommy
Douglas Scott Sorenson
as Rick Buckley
Leah Roberts
as Carmen
Darlene Taylor
as Olivia
Marc Sanders
as Joe
James Kisicki
as Alan
Jon Osbeck
as Jerry
Crew
Director
- Jack Angelo
Producer
- Brad Southwick
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Christmas Spirit examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Jack Angelo brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2013, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Christmas Spirit took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $1.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 86 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 142 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 40 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2013, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Christmas Spirit shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike 23rd Street, which focuses more on action than character development, The Christmas Spirit subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Porch Pirates and When Christmas Was Young explore similar territory, The Christmas Spirit stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 1, 2013
- Runtime: 1h 26m
- Budget: $1,000,000
Where to Watch
