Holiday Faith is Timeless (and Ageless): Elf

Holiday Faith is Timeless (and Ageless): Elf

The holiday season is often filled with traditions, including classic movies that are dusted off and watched each year. Elf by Jon Favreau is widely accepted as a classic Christmas movie, even though it is relatively new compared to the original holiday classics. I have watched it countless times over the years, and each time it surprises me, makes me laugh, and reminds me of how true goodness can affect even the hardest of hearts. By all accounts, the film follows a typical modern day “feel-good” holiday narrative of the human spirit triumphing over adversity. However, this film is far from conventional - it is the childlike genuinity and goodness through the eyes of an adult, Buddy the elf played by Will Ferrell, which reminds us that faith is not for children alone, but for anyone who has the ability and inclination to believe. The beginning of the film's set and costume design are nostalgic to Christmas classic specials and it is fitting that it establishes where Buddy comes from, the North Pole. There is a unique combination of a human cast with animated creatures that makes the film stand out, and the use of optical illusions to show the difference in size between Buddy to the elves adds to the unique environment. Buddy’s elf suit is an iconic badge of honor he wears throughout the film, remaining faithful to his identity. The animations of animals such as Mr. Narwhal, the walrus, penguin, and polar bear, are dated allowing a sense of nostalgia to take hold, and the music choices are rooted in the old-school holiday spirit. Leon the Snowman serves as the animated character that bridges the innocence of the North Pole with Buddy’s realization that he is not an elf. Leon states “Of course you're not an elf. You're six-foot-three and had a beard since you were fifteen.” (Favreau) Leon the Snowman’s cool and contemporary dialogue serves Buddy well as he departs into uncharted territory from the safety of his home. His parting words? “By the way don't eat the yellow snow.” (Favreau) Once Buddy sets off to find his biological father, the sights, sounds, and chaos of New York City are a sharp contrast to the goodness and purity of the North Pole. This contrast is further emphasized when Buddy innocently states  "I passed through the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, through the sea of swirly-twirly gumdrops, and then I walked through the Lincoln Tunnel." (Favreau) Stepping into this alternate universe, Buddy is ridiculed, misunderstood, and misjudged mainly by his biological father and other adults that are victims of holiday consumerism, stress, and lack of Christmas spirit. This stark contrast between Buddy’s innocence and the frenzy of New York City holiday mayhem sets up most of the comedic scenarios where he unintentionally misbehaves. From innocent sing-alongs in the bathroom while a woman showers, to getting drunk unintentionally, the irony is that regardless of the absurdity and socially awkwardness of the situation, he never loses his child-like innocence. The scene where Santa arrives at Gimbels is a strong example of this. Buddy yells “Santa! Oh my god! Santa's coming! I know him! I know him!" until he inspects the fake Santa and says “You stink. You smell like beef and cheese! You don't smell like Santa." (Favreau)
Personally, this is the one film I can watch repeatedly and never tire of. It’s a trip down memory lane, beginning with the cinematic style of the old-fashioned Rudolph and Santa Claus Comes to Town classic films I watched as a young child and ending with the modern-day twist of the New York City backdrop of chaos. The combination of a nostalgic and modern-day story line mixed with humor all ages can enjoy truly make it a family classic. Furthermore, its use of mixed media, classic and modern day music and warmth all contribute to its appeal not only to children but to adults as well. As a result of these aspects, I place Elf firmly in the “Good, Good” category.