Jim Carrey's Timeless Christmas Carol

14 November 2009

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Snow flakes twinkled as they fell through the sky and children rubbed their mitten-clad hands as they waited excitedly. No, they weren't searching the sky for Santa Claus - they were waiting for the launch of Disney's latest offering, 'A Christmas Carol'.

Thousands of Londoners joined together for a festive sing-a-long with Dickensian-dressed carol singers and waited in haste for the chance to spot the stars of the big screen. As an evening chill filled the air, the levels of excitement began to grow. This was not just a Christmas get-together - this was the world premiere of the newest version of a well-loved tale.

The modern-day remake of a classic festive story, 'A Christmas Carol' sees funnyman Jim Carrey take on the infamous role of greedy businessman Ebenezer Scrooge as well as the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future.

Joined on the cinematic screen by husky-voiced actor Bob Hoskins and period acting veteran Colin Firth, Jim and the star-studded cast depict this 166-year-old story in a technologically-advanced way.

But after illuminating the British capital city by switching on the Christmas lights in front of 50,000 onlookers, Jim gave a bemused, modest smile.

He told BANG Showbiz: "This is overwhelming - even for my ego. This is amazing. I'm so happy to be here and to be a part of this. I want to thank the people of Britain for the legacy of Charles Dickens and the chance to tell this story. This story couldn't be more important now. It's about the immorality of greed. The movie expresses things that Dickens wrote about in a way that has no one ever been seen before. It's a fantastic story. It's present for all times."

When Charles Dickens first penned the iconic tale in 1843, he can't have expected a reception like this. However, 'A Christmas Carol' has turned into one of the greatest festive stories of all time.

Not the obvious movie, then, for a cast who confess they hate Christmas.

Jim - who also took the starring role in animated family film 'How The Grinch Stole Christmas' - believes his dislike for the holiday season makes him perfect for these grumpy roles.

He explained: "The great thing about playing Scrooge is that everyone has a little bit of Scrooge in them... My inner Scrooge rears its head on a day-to-day basis.

"I hate Christmas and they had to find one guy that hated the holiday. It is odd that I've ended up playing these two iconic Christmas-haters. But Scrooge is the original Grinch. I'm perfectly suited for the roles because I have had some dark Christmases myself where I wasn't so happy. I understand the isolation. You don't want to be seen because people will think you're broken, so you lash out. You blame the world instead of yourself."

I'm so happy to be here and to be a part of this

Although these dark times are obviously fresh in Jim's mind - he was diagnosed with depression in 1994 - the comic is convinced the heart-warming storyline helped him find perspective on his own life.

He explained: "I play Ebenezer Scrooge at five different ages from about seven to 65, and I play the three spirits - the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. I'm used to having a crowded house up here in my head. It's a really fun thing to play.

"And everybody loves a good transformational story - somebody who sees the light and finds out what's important in life. It was wonderful to get to the bottom of a character I've seen done a hundred different ways."

Jim is certainly not the only cast member who is frustrated with the jolliness of the season.

Colin - who plays Scrooge's nephew Fred - is a self-confessed "humbug" and even gets irritated with radio jingles in the lead up to December 25.

He said: "At this time of year, I am careful not to switch on the radio because those novelty jingles make me homicidal and plunge me into the heart of Scrooge territory. I think Christmas turns us all into Scrooge. Everyone is trying to throw happy stuff at you, and that's when I come over all humbug. I think 'A Christmas Carol' is the best seasonal story you'll find, because after its darkness, fear and regret, you're ready for a bit of joy by the end."

The seasonal favourite - which also features Hollywood stars Gary Oldman, Cary Elwes and Robin Wright Penn - has confidently stood the test of time over the years.

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