‘Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see’, declares The Conductor, played swimmingly by Tom Hanks. Considered to be the first full feature film made with performance capture technology, Robert Zemeckis’ Christmas tale is a true testament to the meaning of Christmas.
The Polar Express is the story of a young boy, dubious about the existence of Santa Claus. However, on Christmas Eve, he is intrigued by the roar of a steam train outside his window, supposedly heading to the North Pole in hope of seeing Santa Claus (Tom Hanks). He boards on the invite of the eccentric conductor. But the journey there is hardly a smooth trip, as they come across numerous obstacles, both physically and mentally challenging for the young boy.
Strangely sharing a similar environment to this year’s Snowpiercer, The Polar Express is film that feeds off the imagination of its viewers. Zemeckis and co-writer William Boyles Jr. create a fantastical world, which works magnetically with the semi-realistic appearance of the characters. With an even dose of expertly crafted action, Zemeckis literally takes us on a roll coaster ride to the North Pole. But beyond its kid-friendly action, the film skillfully teaches us that Christmas is about more than just the presents – it’s about friendship, sharing and faith. Alan Silvestri’s score is undoubtedly one of his finest, both exhilarating and creepy when it needs to be.
Although there’s much to be merry about on this powerful train, Zemeckis never shies away from some of the unfortunate realities of the festive season. Hero Boy (Tom Hanks) slowly builds a friendship with Lonely Boy or Billy (Peter Scolari), and although Billy does experience some of the true magic of Christmas, as he departs from the warm interior of the train, leaving his new friends behind, we cannot help but feel his loneliness is, to some degree, perpetual, standing out in the black coldness of the night, alone. Zemeckis reinforces that Christmas is, for some, a time of grief and loneliness. Billy is an embodiment of this, which our young protagonist warmly embraces with open arms. But lets not forget the brighter side of things. The Polar Express is a wonderful story about faith, even in the face of others who do not share the same beliefs about Christmas – for whom the bells toll no more as Zemeckis repeatedly suggests.
In light of all the cliché Christmas films out there, The Polar Express is perhaps a clear masterpiece of the genre. With the perfect balance of action and tender discussions on the value of Christmas, Zemeckis conjures up a world that should exist long in the memories of its viewers.
