So, how does Patrick Stewart fare as Scrooge in the 1999 made-for-TV adaptation of "A Christmas Carol?"
He gives an interesting performance. He definitely seems to be taking a page from George C. Scott's book, as he plays Scrooge as a cold, tough businessman rather than an eccentric miser. Not that he's imitating Scott, but it's in that same mold.
A few things made it tough for me to accept him as Scrooge at first. The main thing is that he doesn't have a Scrooge look. He looks the same as he always looks, so when you see him, you think Captain Picard or Professor X or whatever your Patrick Stewart point of reference is. You know he's playing Scrooge, but he doesn't ooze Scrooginess.
I don't understand the shaved head. Why would Scrooge shave his head? That seems anachronistic to me. Is it merely that Stewart doesn't want to appear any other way?
I also think it's odd that he has stubble on his face through much of the movie. Even if Scrooge were to shave his head, why wouldn't he also shave his face?
Patrick Stewart was 59 years old at the time, which seems like a good Scrooge age, but I think he seems younger. He doesn't necessarily look like he's been worn down by the world or that he would die in a Christmas Yet to Come anytime soon.
He also talks like he always talks and doesn't affect a wacky voice.
In any event, as things get going and you get caught up in the story you start thinking he's Scrooge. Maybe that's the sign of a good actor? He's not relying on makeup or other tricks.
He certainly has a commanding presence and holds our attention.
As far as the reclamation of Scrooge goes, he does gradually change. He's convincingly mean at the beginning and convincingly nice at the end, so all in all, a solid job!
Next, we take a look at the rest of the cast...
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