Exclusive | Is The Nightmare Before Christmas a Halloween movie? The director chooses a side
It’s one of the biggest debates in film history.“The Nightmare Before Christmas” is seemingly, as its title suggests, a Christmas movie.
But there’s many elements of Halloween folded into the animated musical film, as well.And thus that sparks said debate: is “The Nightmare Before Christmas” a Christmas or a Halloween movie?The 1993 film follows Jack Skellington, the lonely Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who wants more cheer in his life.So, after he accidentally discovers Christmas Town, Jack schemes to take over the December 25 holiday by kidnapping Santa — but things don’t go according to plan.Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara, William Hickey, Ken Page, Paul Reubens, Glenn Shadix and Ed Ivory voice the characters conceived by Tim Burton, who also co-produced the movie.
Some fans believe the presences of Jack and the other spooky characters, the Halloween-centric town, and the Halloween songs make “The Nightmare Before Christmas” a Halloween movie first.Not to mention, the movie came out on October 29.However, those on “Team Christmas” argue that the spirit of the red and green holiday is felt throughout the film.Plus, the climax of the action occurs on Christmas Eve, which is another point for that side of the debate.Director Henry Selick exclusively spoke to The Post and chose a side between Team Halloween and Team Christmas.“Tim’s idea to combine Halloween with Christmas — where, unlike the miserable Grinch, a well-intentioned Jack Skellington takes over the Christmas holiday — is pure genius.
30 years after I directed the film, beneath its candy corn coating, skeletons and vampires, corpse child and witches, I know ‘Nightmare’ at its heart is a Christmas movie,” he said.“The facts: Halloween is over when the film begins, Jack sick and tired of his holiday,” the 71-year-old director continued.“He soon discovers Christmas Town and the film’s focus shifts to the Pumpkin King’s total obsession with this new holi...