As a film enthusiast with a deep appreciation for cinematic history, I have to say that each of these portrayals of Santa Claus offers a unique and captivating take on the jolly old elf. From the down-home charm of David Huddleston’s Tennessee biker uncle Santa in “Santa Claus: The Movie” to the heartwarming sincerity of Richard Attenborough’s performance in the 1995 remake of “Miracle on 34th Street”, each actor has brought something special to the role.
The initial version of this list came out in the year 2022, and it has since been expanded to incorporate J.K. Simmons’ portrayal of muscular Santa in the movie “Red One.
For a figure with a pop-cultural image shaped in large part by Coca-Cola commercials, Santa Claus has a surprising range. His mythology has become almost completely secularized — his origin as a Christian saint replaced with jolly whole-cloth hokum. He can be an immortal demigod who pals around with Merlin and Jesus, the harried CEO of a toy-manufacturing company based at the North Pole, or the dignified figurehead of a hereditary monarchy whose title is passed down through the generations. He can have different levels of magical power — from godlike omniscience to a Batman-like dependency on gadgetry.
He can be tall or short, fat or thin. He is almost always portrayed as a white man in mainstream live-action media, and the broad beats of the character’s appearance — big white beard and red suit — make the transformation easy enough for whoever has been chosen to embody him. Santa has traditionally been more of a character-actor type of role, although in the wake of The Santa Clause in 1994, actors like Kurt Russell have brought their own star images to the myth. In 2022’s Violent Night, David Harbour’s version of Santa swings the pendulum from “benevolent wizard” all the way to “drunk old man who looks like he smells like pee.”
In summary, Santa consistently embodies specific values as portrayed in films. Generally, Santas are traditional figures who are usually married and resist any attempts to modernize their workshop, which often results in failure. The myth of Santa is centered around belief, with him frequently ending up in jail due to the unyielding lack of Christmas spirit among law enforcement officers. Additionally, a common plot involves a cynical adult accidentally exposing the real Santa on TV for personal gain, only to embrace the magic by the film’s conclusion. These themes can be traced back to 1947’s “Miracle on 34th Street,” which is considered the foundational text for Santa stories in Hollywood movies.
A list of 21 isn’t enough to cover every actor who’s ever played Santa in a bit part in a movie, and it certainly isn’t enough to include the many voice-over actors who have portrayed Santa in animated films and specials. It barely scratches the thriving subgenre of Christmas horror, although most of those movies are about a psycho dressed as Santa killing people rather than the genuine article. Similarly, movies about mall Santas and other imposters — robbers who dress up like Santa to get access to houses, parents keeping up appearances in Santa suits — are excluded here. Civilians tasked with taking on the Santa mantle, however, are fair game — including clueless Christmas princes, reluctant draftees, and Viking warriors.
21.
Paul Giamatti, Fred Claus (2007)
The film titled “Fred Claus” is quite poor. To make matters worse, it’s an extended two-hour movie, making it feel like an endurance test. Essentially, Vince Vaughn portrays his mid-2000s carefree self in a Christmas setting, which sounds reasonable but is largely based on implausible ideas. For instance, did you know that when someone becomes a saint (in this case, Saint Nicholas), they and their family are supposed to be frozen in time? Well, that’s only found in a script struggling to accommodate Vince Vaughn at the North Pole.
In this Christmas-themed production, Paul Giamatti portrays Nicholas, Fred’s elder brother who is famously known as Santa Claus. Despite his seniority and superior achievements compared to his pushy younger sibling, he often finds himself in a subordinate position. Known for his saintly demeanor and role as a CEO, Nicholas answers to an enigmatic board of members whose identities are shrouded in mystery. Their authority is fear-inducing, with Kevin Spacey taking on the role of an “efficiency expert,” which might suggest Satanic involvement.
20.
Richard Riehle, The Search for Santa Paws (2010)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=VFD-Z-vhqLI
In a different spin, Richard Riehle is often seen donning the iconic red suit for additional compensation, boasting an impressive 404 credits on IMDb and counting. With his bushy mustache resembling a push broom and a friendly, crinkled-eyed grin, Riehle bears a striking resemblance to Santa Claus on any given day. However, it’s surprising that he is heavily disguised in “The Search for Santa Paws.” The makeup used on him in this movie reaches the unsettling level of Karl Havoc from “I Think You Should Leave,” but Riehle perseveres and completes the film without experiencing an existential crisis.
It appears that the situation must have been quite challenging, not only due to the additional face superimposed on Riehle’s character, but also because the portrayal of Santa in this film is peculiar – he has a type of amnesia commonly seen in movies where he can recall everything except his own identity and residence. This peculiar Disney children’s movie, which seems more absurd than entertaining for anyone older than 6, was the setting. Kudos to Riehle for managing to maintain a serious expression during the film’s opening scene where Santa reads a heart-wrenching letter announcing the demise of his long-time friend Mr. Hucklebuckle.
19.
J. K. Simmons, Red One (2024)
Over the last decade or so, the character Red One concludes a developmental journey that has morphed Santa Claus from a simple artisan into a blend of a CEO and head of state. The choice of J.K. Simmons, who might be overlooked due to his muscular physique, as a powerlifting, goal-oriented Santa surrounded by elite elves enhances the illusion. This portrayal of Santa rationalizes his cookie intake through regular cardio exercises in his home gym. Mrs. Claus, played by Bonnie Hunt, is reimagined as a Pepper Potts-like figure in this production, contributing to the Christmas narrative’s integration with the Marvel universe. In the film, she updates Santa on the current wind speed and sleigh performance data before the upcoming night.
Indeed, it’s an interesting point to consider that Santa must be quite agile to swiftly descend countless chimneys in quick succession. However, Simmons in the movie often finds himself confined within an Art Nouveau dome enclosed by green glass tinted like the film Saw, rendered helpless due to a mystical fog controlled by the character resembling Scarlet Witch. This somewhat contradicts the notion of physical strength. Nevertheless, when awake, Simmons’s Santa exudes a warmth and sparkle in his eyes that connects him to previous, cheerier versions of the figure, despite his rare laughter. It’s acceptable – solid abs don’t jiggle like a bowl full of jelly, after all.
18.
John Call, Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964)
In the film “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians,” the portrayal of Santa Claus aligns with its retro-futuristic early ’60s style. John Call, an actor who balanced his career between Broadway, B-movies, and television, gives a stoic performance as Santa, embodying a mid-century father figure with his ever-present pipe and slippers, even if not always physically present. Partway through the movie, which often appears on lists of “best bad movies,” Santa is abducted to Mars to inject some enthusiasm into the listless Martian children by way of Christmas spirit. While there, he finds himself unexpectedly drafted into a Christmas factory.
Spending time among these television-obsessed, mindless zombie-like individuals appears to sap Santa’s vitality, causing him to transition from grinning for the camera and chatting condescendingly with his elves to a weary, elderly man shuffling aimlessly around the movie’s futuristic sets. Subpar acting is what detracts from the enjoyment of what should be a fun, cheesy, nostalgic experience, but Santa Claus Conquers the Martians introduces a recurring theme in Santa films: an anti-industrial bias that leans more towards artisanal craftsmanship rather than inciting revolution.
17.
James Cosmo, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
In the story “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” written by Anglican author C. S. Lewis, James Cosmo’s portrayal of Father Christmas carries a strong Christian vibe, which is not unexpected given his demigod status. This version of Santa Claus traverses the land of Narnia, where it’s been 100 years since Christmas was celebrated due to the witch’s influence. He rides a sleigh accompanied by two large beavers and carries a bag filled with magical weapons that will be used when the children who will save Narnia arrive. His red-leather doublet and weather-beaten face give him an air of a warrior Santa, although it’s the children who will do the fighting. Father Christmas continues his endless rounds while they prepare for battle.
16.
George Wendt, Santa Baby (2006) / Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws (2009)
George Wendt is best known for his role as the main Santa Claus in B-movies during the mid-2000s, appearing as jolly old Saint Nick in three separate films between 2006 and 2009. Notably, he was part of “Larry the Cable Guy’s Christmas Spectacular,” which is not included in this list. Wendt portrayed a convincing Santa figure in the 2006 TV movie “Santa Baby,” where he played Jenny McCarthy’s indulgent father. However, the franchise as a whole has become somewhat problematic due to McCarthy’s later advocacy against vaccines. But it still pales in comparison to “Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws.
In the movie “Santa Buddies,” Wendt seems to be simply fulfilling his contract, given that this film’s unique concept – a magical icicle melting when children stop believing in Santa as a metaphor for climate change – can be quite demanding. The narrative presents a world where humans and dogs share power, with Santa often deferring to Santa Paws in North Pole affairs. There are many instances of Wendt sighing wearily and standing still while reacting to animal actors or offscreen events. At one point, he even bursts into an out-of-tune song, giving the impression of someone who’s had a few drinks. However, isn’t it understandable for an actor to accept an easy paycheck, act affectionately towards dogs, and deliver lines about crystals that are less than stellar?
15.
Steve Guttenberg, Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Claus (2004), Meet the Santas (2005)
In an unusual twist, the selection of Steve Guttenberg as a clean-shaven, 30-something Santa Claus might seem bizarre at first glance. However, this peculiar Hallmark movie from 2004, titled “Santa Baby,” presents a unique concept where the North Pole operates like a small monarchy similar to Luxembourg or Monaco, but instead of being funded by a casino, it’s backed by Santa’s toy business. In this storyline, Guttenberg plays the brooding Christmas prince who has been informed at the start of the film that he must find a suitable wife within a year, as she will become Mrs. Claus when the current Santa retires. The significance attached to this transition is so grave that it seems like the old Santa is on his deathbed instead of preparing for retirement.
In a nutshell, a quiet, almost divine character named Nick (Guttenberg) travels to sunny Southern California and encounters an ad executive named Beth (Crystal Bernard). For reasons unexplained, she believes this innocent yet peculiar individual with unique speech patterns — like saying “Come fly with me, my child. Come with me on a magical journey that only your imagination can create!” — is perfect for marketing her video game before Christmas. Remarkably, it works, allowing Nick to stay close to Beth and her son. He’s seen as dependable, a “nice guy” who may not be overly appealing but would make an excellent stepfather. Despite the peculiarities, what makes this romantic comedy about finding a home truly bizarre is that it had a sequel, Meet the Santas, in 2005.
14.
Kurt Russell, The Christmas Chronicles (2018), The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2020)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=YaeDa_Uempk
In simpler terms, Kurt Russell portrays a cool, yet absentee-like father figure in the Netflix series “The Christmas Chronicles,” similar to his role in “Guardians of the Galaxy.” He plays Santa Claus, with Goldie Hawn as Mrs. Claus. Russell infuses elements of his action hero persona into this role, making Santa more agile than usual, performing backflips and exclaiming “Wahoo!” as he travels from chimney to chimney. The character is an enhanced version of the traditional jolly old elf, who monitors present delivery using a “Christmas cheer-o-meter” and delivers his lines with great emphasis.
In every detail, Russell’s portrayal of Santa mirrors aspects of his famous persona: For instance, his leather gloves resembling a superhero, his “you better not cry” line serving as a tough-guy catchphrase, and his unexpected jailhouse concert with Stevie Van Zandt on guitar, channeling Elvis. (His almost divine knowledge is unquestioned, but he must convince people, especially cops, that he truly is who he claims to be.) The commitment to Russell’s brand is what makes his Santa performance satisfactory, though some may find the CGI elves awkward and overemphasis on Santa’s weight uncomfortable. If you’re in search of Kurt Russell as Santa, then you shall surely have it!
13.
Dozens of naked Finnish men, Rare Exports (2010)
In a stream of killer-Santa horror films that have been popping up since the 1980s, Rare Exports stands out as the most imaginative. Released concurrently with Trollhunter, this Finnish production by director Jalmari Helander blends fantasy and horror. In an original twist, Santa Claus is portrayed as a Scandinavian monster resembling a kaiju, with the legs of a goat. This particular Santa was once frozen in a block of ice beneath a mountain, preserved for millennia by the Sami people. Now, he’s thawing out in a warehouse, with radiators throughout a Finnish village keeping him warm and stacks of distressed children at his feet.
In the movie “Rare Exports,” the Santa’s helpers bear a striking resemblance to humans, but they’re more like gaunt, filthy, naked, old men with long white beards and a feral, goblin-like demeanor. They’re drawn towards children, not to shower them with gifts, but to consume them alive. The original Santa and his elves in fairy tales are quite sinister. However, for the sake of the human characters in the film, it’s beneficial that the myth of Santa’s benevolence persists. They’ve established a business that trains these elves to act as civilized as possible around children, exporting them worldwide as authentic Finnish Santas to customers. It seems there are no returns or exchanges in this business.
12.
John Goodman, The Year Without a Santa Claus (2006)
The 2006 TV film is distinctly reminiscent of the ’00s, with a vibe similar to “Josie and the Pussycats”. Visualize vinyl trench coats, exaggerated hairdos, Carson Kressley as Santa’s flamboyant stylist who cracks a joke about gastric bypass surgery in the opening scene. Also, picture Delta Burke as Mrs. Claus, Chris Kattan as Santa’s manager, and Carol Kane as Mother Nature herself. To put it simply, this satirical interpretation of Christmas commercialism shares little resemblance with the 1971 Rankin-Bass short it was adapted from.
John Goodman portrays an actor whose image is quite reminiscent of Santa Claus, and he doesn’t deviate much from this in his role, which primarily requires him to express frustration. He plays a corporate executive who shuffles from one meeting to another with minimal downtime for snack breaks, lamenting that contemporary children are spoiled and only interested in things like gigabytes, fashions, and accessories. To enhance his image of down-to-earth wholesomeness, he has unkempt hair and a Southern drawl. It’s not unexpected that he quits his position as the head of SantaCo early in the movie, but the moment when a young woman proposes her idea for BeGoths – essentially goth versions of Bratz dolls – leaves you wishing he had stayed around a bit longer.
11.
David Harbour, Violent Night (2022)
In Violent Night, David Harbour’s character, a rather rowdy Santa Claus, is seen starting off by drinking beers at a bar before vomiting on the bartender as his sleigh takes flight from the rooftop. This Santa is far from the typical, clean-cut image of St. Nick we’re used to seeing in movies. Unlike other Santa films where he ponders whether people truly cherish him or Christmas, this Santa has already lost faith and no miraculous Christmas events can restore it. Instead, he dozes off in a massage chair, holding a glass of milk in one hand and a cookie in the other.
In keeping with the dark mood of the movie, it’s violence that ultimately restores Santa in “Violent Night.” After a tranquil stretch in the film where Santa confides in the most innocent character, young Trudy Lightstone (Leah Brady), it turns out that Santa is actually an immortal being who once lived as a Viking warrior named Nicodemus the Red. However, the film doesn’t delve too deeply into this immortality aspect. Instead, it serves as a means to jog Saint Nick’s memory about his knack for and affection towards wielding a sledgehammer and crushing the skulls of naughty children. (The movie’s connection with Christmas magic is more of a handy tool.) Essentially, this immortal Santa’s past life as a warrior is just a way to highlight his fondness for violence.
10.
Whoopi Goldberg, Call Me Claus (2001)
During a time when numerous Santa-themed TV films were popular, Call Me Claus stands out for featuring one Black Santa among all listed here and one of only two female Santas. Whoopi Goldberg’s red hat is adorned with platinum-blonde dreadlocks once she embraces her fate and puts on the red suit.
Initially, this less commonly seen millennial production, seldom aired on cable and only accessible on YouTube with Spanish or Czech dubbing, features Goldberg portraying Lucy Cullins, a TV producer known for her cynical demeanor during the holiday season. However, the old Santa Claus (Nigel Hawthorne) recognizes the kindness hidden within Lucy’s tough exterior and chooses her to succeed him as head of North Pole operations once his 200-year term ends. Despite initial reluctance, Lucy proves to be a perfect fit for the role. Goldberg and Hawthorne each bring unique warmth to their Santa Claus characters, culminating in a climax where snow falls on the streets of Los Angeles, bringing joy and harmony to all.
9.
Jim Broadbent, Get Santa (2014)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=_2EFmDpNqd8
Jim Broadbent is known for playing roles in the Harry Potter movies, and he brought some of that enchantment to his portrayal of Santa Claus in the 2014 British comedy “Get Santa.” The film features a typical estranged father storyline with a prison twist, where Santa (Broadbent) becomes entangled with recently paroled career criminal Steve (Rafe Spall) and his smart-mouthed son Tom (Kit Connor). Broadbent’s long, braided beard and denim prison outfit give him a rugged Harley-Davidson vibe, but when he starts speaking, his twinkling eyes take over. They convey both the image of an old, doddering man and a magical elf. Broadbent also resembles a classic wizard-like Santa with his round glasses and beer belly.
In my perspective as a film critic, let me share my thoughts on this holiday flick. Despite having a quirky squirrel pal named Oswald and occasionally raising eyebrows with his sanity, Bill Nighy’s Santa is nothing short of divine – equipped with an otherworldly knowledge and a mysterious compartment filled with shimmering green dust that propels his sleigh skyward. Assisting him is Warwick Davis’ elf sidekick, who handles the grunt work like a pro.
8.
Anna Kendrick, Noelle (2019)
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but share my thoughts on the 2019 Disney production, “Noelle.” This heartwarming tale imaginatively depicts Santa’s world as a monarchy, mirroring the antiquated sexist rules of European royalty that kept women from ascending to the throne. In this magical universe, Anna Kendrick and Bill Hader brilliantly portray Santa’s children, with Hader’s character exuding a delightful scent of hot chocolate and peppermint, yet being unfit for the task of stepping into Santa’s role following his father’s (offscreen) demise.
Kendrick Lyman beautifully portrays the wide-eyed enthusiasm of Noelle, the Christmas princess, as she sings and plays with exuberance in her intricately-embroidered outfits and striped stockings. She scolds strangers for their apparent lack of holiday spirit. The bond between Kendrick and Hader is vibrant and authentic, and when Noelle learns that she’s the rightful heir to Santa Claus’ throne – a revelation I must warn you about as it may spoil the plot – she handles the insecurities of being told she doesn’t resemble Santa due to her gender with a touching vulnerability. To top it off, Billy Eichner delivers his signature “suppressed anger” performance as Cousin Gabe, the technologically-challenged relative at the North Pole. This Christmas movie manages to be more engaging than expected for its primarily young audience.
7.
Bill Goldberg, Santa’s Slay (2005)
In the 2005 horror film “Santa’s Slay,” renowned former wrestler Bill Goldberg utilized his villainous persona. This low-budget Christmas-themed production, set in Hell, Michigan (a town that has embraced its moniker), presents a chilling twist on Santa Claus: depicting him as the son of Satan, forced to spread Christmas joy after losing a divine wager. In this tale, he returns from an unspecified infernal origin, ready to brutally kill both naughty and nice individuals alike with a mix of ruthless cruelty and creative flair, fitting for a slasher movie.
Initially, the film “Santa’s Slay” garnered notice due to its opening scene featuring a Jewish cast enjoying a Christmas dinner that transforms into a massacre upon Santa’s (Goldberg) violent entry through the chimney. Looking back, many elements of “Santa’s Slay” can be seen mirrored in “Violent Night”, such as the comedic violence and Santa’s Nordic roots. Goldberg’s portrayal of Santa is more energetic than David Harbour’s, and he relishes his role with mischievous excitement, making the festive decorations seem almost menacing.
6.
Tim Allen, The Santa Clause (1994) / The Santa Clause 2 (2002) / The Santa Clause 3: Escape Clause (2006) / The Santa Clauses (2022)
Initially portrayed as Santa Claus in the movie “The Santa Clause,” Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) is arguably the most divorced Santa ever. The film presents a unique blend of Christmas magic and family court proceedings, often painting a challenging picture for stepfathers who emphasize emotional expression, dislike Santa Claus, and find Christmas traditions distasteful. While it may appear that Scott abducts his son by taking him to the North Pole for a month, considering he’s Santa, it’s a different story altogether.
In the movie “The Santa Clause,” Scott plays a role similar to Santa, both literally and figuratively, even though he’s not yet embraced the spiritual aspect of the character. This transformation occurs when the old Santa falls from an icy roof at the start of the film, effectively passing his responsibilities to Scott. In the universe of “The Santa Clause,” assuming the role of Santa is a sort of burden or curse, much like the entity in “It Follows” that haunts its victims. This storyline mirrors the identity crisis experienced by baby boomers, such as Tim Allen, who were transitioning into new roles as fathers during the 80’s and 90’s. Over time, Allen has grown into this role, with “The Santa Clause” eventually evolving into a long-running franchise. In essence, this provides an opportunity for Allen to continue his iconic “ho-ho-ho” laugh from his “Tool Time” days indefinitely.
5.
Paul Sorvino, Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe (2009)
In the movie “Santa Baby 2: Christmas Maybe,” George Wendt was replaced by Paul Sorvino, an actor known for his strong, fatherly demeanor. Although Sorvino is often cast as a tough character, in this film he shines in a wholesome role. His Santa is well-groomed, with a tan and a large watch on his muscular wrist. Interestingly, at the start of the movie, he announces his immediate retirement, stating that he’s been neglecting himself behind the Santa suit and wants to focus on his various hobbies. While one might call it a midlife crisis, it’s important to note that in this context, he’s immortal.
For the rest of the movie, Sorvino spends time at the North Pole fixing his sled, exercising with the elves using step aerobics, and playing jazz music in a group. At the same time, his strong-willed daughter is enforcing changes at the North Pole, which intertwines with a “difficult woman” storyline to give the impression of a relic from the 2000s. Despite this, Sorvino’s Santa manages to navigate out of all that trouble, cruising around on his snowmobile and having fun with the elf boys.
4.
Edmund Gwenn, Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Complaints about everyone being too busy and too focused on “optimizing profits” to really appreciate Christmas and Santa Claus go all the way back to 1947 and Miracle on 34th Street. That’s far from the only influential thread in this holiday classic: It establishes the trope of narrow-minded adults persecuting the real Santa — here, committing him to Bellevue rather than putting him in county jail — who must then use the (wholly secular despite all the talk about faith) power of Christmas to convince them.
The original version of “Miracle on 34th Street” presents a more traditional, skeptical view towards psychiatry through the character of a Macy’s department store psychologist who finds it hard to accept that Kris Kringle (played by Edmund Gwenn) is truly Santa Claus. Unlike other portrayals of Santa, Gwenn’s Kris Kringle emphasizes kindness and humility rather than flashy displays of magic. He’s a well-groomed man with a well-kept beard, smart wool coat, and a matching bowler hat, reflecting his understated acting style. He’s friendly but not overly outgoing. Interestingly, he is the only actor to have won an Academy Award for playing Santa in a movie, which adds another layer of Christmas magic to the story.
3.
Ed Asner, Elf (2003)
In many contemporary depictions, Santa Claus is typically depicted as a tall figure. However, Ed Asner, who stood between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 8 inches tall (depending on the questionable celebrity-stat websites you consult), aligns more with the Santa in ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, as this poem specifically uses descriptive words to depict Santa as small. Despite his relatively short stature, Asner’s portrayal of Santa is remarkable: He embodies the traditional rosy cheeks and twinkling eyes. His Santa incorporates characteristics often seen in modern reimaginings – worldly cynicism, exasperation – without sacrificing the holiday’s warmth.
In simpler terms, Asner’s portrayal of Santa Claus is like having an affectionate uncle who gives advice, offers encouragement, and then heads off on another journey. This is the kind of Santa that many people know from popular culture, even though some stories suggest he doesn’t have children of his own. Asner’s Santa feels real because of this. He also keeps the magic of Christmas casual by keeping a list of what kids want for Christmas, just in case his all-knowing ability falters. Overall, he’s funny, sincere, and easy to relate to.
2.
David Huddleston, Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)
https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=7LKHIzWQfMI
A versatile actor, David Huddleston, who passed away in 2016 and boasted an impressive resume of 149 roles, will be remembered in film history for two standout performances: portraying the lead character in “The Big Lebowski” (1998) and delivering a convincing Santa Claus in the rather chaotic “Santa Claus: The Movie”. Huddleston’s Santa exudes a warm, friendly vibe, evoking an image of Kenny Rogers as a down-home, fatherly figure with a gravelly voice and genuine affection for children. Interestingly, Huddleston’s portrayal of a Tennessee-style biker uncle Santa contrasts with the overall English feel of the movie, but it does align with the rustic cabin ambiance of the North Pole.
1985 film “The Santa Clause” is skillfully directed by French filmmaker Jeannot Szwarc. The movie begins with a unique twist on the traditional Santa story where a medieval Englishman known as Uncle Claus (Huddleston) and his wife, Anya (Judy Cornwell), tragically freeze to death in their sleigh on Christmas Eve. Miraculously, they are revived and granted immortality by a wizard-elf character played by Burgess Meredith, whose unusually long white beard is assisted by a group of elf helpers. This sets the stage for a classic “chosen one” tale, but the narrative isn’t robust enough to carry the whole movie, so two additional stories are awkwardly added to fill out the film.
1.
Richard Attenborough, Miracle on 34th Street (1995)
In a 1995 update of “Miracle on 34th Street,” the themes from the 1947 classic are echoed but with larger-than-life elements and clearer signposts. Young Susan Walker (Mara Wilson) and her eagerness for her mother to marry the kind lawyer living in the apartment below are emphasized more strongly, while Santa Claus character Kris Kringle (David Attenborough) passionately insists on his authenticity when his credibility is doubted. This time, it’s two over-the-top employees of a rival discount store who plot against him, instead of a psychologist. In court, Kris Kringle questions why his reindeer can’t fly since he only flies on Christmas Eve! and appears puzzled when the audience laughs at his response.
Similar to his previous role, Attenborough often dons tweed and wool when he’s not working. However, his holiday attire is more extravagant, adorned with luxurious velvet, fur, gold buttons, and a gold wreath ring. His acting style differs slightly from Gwenn’s, yet in an endearing manner: Attenborough is more expressive with his facial expressions and openly emotional – sometimes appearing on the verge of tears following heartfelt scenes, such as when he communicates with a Deaf girl using sign language. This portrayal gives the impression that he truly values the magic of Christmas for every child. Although he can be persuasive in arranging the adult characters’ storylines, they seem to welcome his influence. Attenborough’s British accent, stooped posture reminiscent of a grandfather, and overall presence culminate in him embodying the quintessential pop-culture Santa figure.
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2024-11-16 17:56