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What's This? What's This?

It seems to me that "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is about an artist. It's about a guy well-versed in his trade, longing for something new. It's like the story of Sondheim, around the time of "Merrily We Roll Along."

Like any good musical, "Nightmare" gives us a colorful setting. "In Our Town of Halloween": A literally two-faced mayor, The Thing Hiding Under Your Bed, an oppressive old woman endangered by Deadly Nightshade, a doll-human in need of stitching, an Oogie-Woogie (really just some worms), a superhero (part-pumpkin, part-skeleton).

Jack, our protagonist, has his big "I Want" moment: longing for new inspiration. And then, as in any great story, our protagonist goes on a journey. From Halloween Town to Christmas Town. A fish out of water. Inspired. Except that Jack doesn't fill out his red suit properly; his "gifts" are terrifying specters; he forcibly exerts his will on Santa Claus, who does not approve. (One of the great treats in this movie is the fact that the three little thugs do not understand the words "Santa Claus." They think they are hearing: "the Sandy Claws," which is of course what you would imagine if you lived in a perpetual Halloween.)

Life is what happens while you're making plans. Jack's endeavors are disastrous--or *are* they? Certainly, the residents of the Town of Christmas are momentarily miserable. But something is salvaged in this journey. Stretching himself, Jack rediscovers the areas where he really excels--and he is able to return to Halloween Town with new vim and vigor. Sally, his friend, goes to great lengths to keep Jack safe--and it's through the thorny discussions Jack and Sally have that the two iconic characters are fully able to discover their love for each other.

Phillip Lopate says: When you're writing a personal essay, you must aim high. You must attempt to think on the page, to reach for profundity. Even if you fail, there's something noble in the effort.

That's how I see "Nightmare." An artist stumbles--and, in stumbling, he attains a weird new grace. You need manure if you're going to nurture new plantings. There's truth in the idea, and even if you're not thinking along these lines, you can enjoy the larger-than-life roulette table, the slotted spoon, the ghost-dog.

"Nightmare." 4:20 today at the Union Square Regal. Join me....if you dare.
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