Decoded: The Nightmare Before Christmas by @timburton
It took me far too long to enjoy this absolute masterpiece.
I got to watch it with our amazing student docents at SCADstory and the way this film moved and entertained the entirety of our crew.
The film starts out with such easy and quick exposition and then pivots into the core of what it stands for: a lack of purpose and a desire to be something different, something other than yourself.
I felt jarred and challenged by the compelling thought of feeling like what you do isn't good enough but also motivated by the ability to approach my work with a refreshed and excited mindset!
The score is on another level and the technical skill that is on display is unbelievable. 30 years later, it holds up in the best sort of way with animation that could go toe with toe with the giants of today and voice-acting that breathes life, excitement and complexity to every member of this rogues gallery!
Tim Burton is a genius and the crew that backs him up elevates every element of his genius giving us a magical, horrifying, and wondrous story that is sure to go down in history as one of the greatest of all time.
The film pushes you to embrace the dark realities of this world and sit in the slight discomfort while going on a journey that never outstays its welcome and leaves folk singing and dreaming about lands and lives far, far away while encouraging me to step into my purpose, resist the urge to compare my path, and own the path I walk.
My favorite element of this film has to be Jack Skellington himself and the plot twist of him being the King of Halloween and a consistent gentleman both at the same time!
If you haven't seen this film, do yourself a favor, take some time, and venture into the beautifully, horrific world of The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Yours faithfully,
Sam Qavah John.
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