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A Christmas for the Books

A Christmas for the Books (2018)

Dec 11, 2018 1h 30m Romance TV Movie

Lifestyle guru and romance expert Joanna Moret has developed a foolproof strategy for ending holiday loneliness and it's all detailed in her best-selling book, The Love Audit. After appearing on a morning show, she is offered the biggest opportunity of her career—to throw the MacAllen Holiday Gala—and if all goes well, she'll get her own TV show. Little do her fans—or the MacAllens—know that she is newly single and can't seem to apply her principles to her own love life. Joanna asks the morning show producer, Ted, to pretend they are a couple or risk being exposed as a fraud.

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Directed by Letia Clouston

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Letia Clouston
Writer
  • Thommy Hutson
Producer
  • Shane Boucher
  • Curtis Crawford

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Thematic Analysis

A Christmas for the Books represents a fascinating example of Romance/TV Movie cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on interpersonal relationships and emotional connections. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Letia Clouston 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2018, 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 A Christmas for the Books took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
  • The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.

Historical Context

  • In 2018, when this film is released:
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While A Christmas for the Books shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Christmas Inheritance, which focuses more on action than character development, A Christmas for the Books subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star and Serendipity explore similar territory, A Christmas for the Books stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: December 11, 2018
  • Runtime: 1h 30m

Where to Watch

fuboTV
Philo
Hallmark+ Amazon Channel
Hallmark+ Apple TV Channel