(B)adaptations Script: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Hayley: Welcome to “Two Girls, One Book, One Film,” a YouTube Channel by Isabelle Lesh and Hayley Alperin. Today, we will be discussing the book to film adaptation of How the Grinch Stole Christmas and we could not be more excited!
Isabelle: We are stoked to share our thoughts with you! We hope all of you have both seen the film and read the book.
Hayley: To provide a little bit of background for those who are unfamiliar with today’s topic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, is a classic children’s holiday/ fantastical book written by Dr. Seuss. The book was originally published in 1957 and was renewed and updated in 1985.
Isabelle: The book was then adapted into a film, released on November 8th, 2000, starring Jim Carrey. It was directed by Ron Howard.
Hayley: So this week, we took the time to re-read the book and re-watch the film to get us in the holiday ~mood~, and now we will share our thoughts with you. Isabelle, what did you think?
Isabelle: Well, right off the bat I thought it was really interesting that Ron Howard chose to direct a live action film rather than an animated one, considering Dr. Seuss’ book is filled with drawings. I also think that Jim Carrey was the perfect actor to cast as the grinch, since he is super emotive and is such a character. What were your thoughts?
Hayley: I thought that Ron Howard did a great job adapting the film to the screen. It is a holiday film, so it is mostly relevant around Christmas, bringing forth a sense of tradition and family. I also love how it appeals to all ages; my family watches it every year together right around Christmas, which has become one of my favorite traditions. For some reason, I just feel like it is easier to adapt children’s books into film’s as everyone gets excited to see them!
Isabelle: Aw! That’s so nice! I think it is important to note things like that. Both the film and the book were received extremely well across audiences of all kinds. It has definitely become a Christmas classic and is shown on different TV channels all throughout the holiday season.
Hayley: That is so true! Now that I think about it, the kids I babysit were just watching it on TV last time I saw them! And I’m pretty sure I saw the book sitting up on their mantle.
Isabelle: That’s awesome! It’s so interesting to see how both the book and the film have persisted over time, which is what makes them classics. Most films and books seem to have their moment in the sun and then fade out, but the ones that don’t fade tend to stick around forever.
Hayley: Agreed! Also what I have realized is so universal with Dr. Seuss books are the messages he embeds in his stories. For example, everyone has heard the saying, “His heart was two sizes too small.” Sayings like this relate to the story and the plotline but can also be
interpreted outside of the book and the film as well. Dr. Seuss is the master of teachable moments as such.
Isabelle: Also, not only Seuss’ phrases are well-known. The term “grinch” has been coined to describe someone who lacks morality or good spirits. Even Urban Dictionary has an entry on the word! So not only have Seuss’ words entered the film sphere, but they have been even further integrated into our language!
Hayley: Ugh, yeah, my mom is SUCH a grinch! (Don’t tell her I said that.)
Isabelle: Hahaha! Another thing I really liked is the notion of the happy ending, especially since this film surrounds the holidays. Both the book and the film end with the Grinch saving Christmas. Seuss writes, that the Grinch “even carved the roast beef.”
Hayley: I love that! Now I’m hungry, so on that happy ending, peace out! That’s all for this week, folks!
Isabelle: Don’t forget to tune in for next week! We will be discussing Roald Dahl’s Matilda and its film adaption! Let’s hope it’s not a “badaptation!”
Hayley: Peace and blessings, y’all!
