The Nightmare Before Christmas from a Gothic Standpoint

By Eva Nelson

Ever since its emergence in the eighteenth century, the gothic genre has persisted through time. Although this genre has greatly evolved from its original form of books, many of its characteristics and patterns can still be seen in modern media.

One movie that exhibits many of these elements is The Nightmare Before Christmas. Originally a poem written by Tim Burton, it was adapted into an animated film in 1993. The Nightmare Before Christmas follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King. However, he does not find fulfillment in this calling, and seeks to figure out his purpose. After stumbling upon a forest with a variety of doors that lead to different holidays, Jack discovers Christmas Town. Completely enamored by the bright lights and cheerful atmosphere, he decides to take over Christmas. The results are disastrous.

There are six main gothic elements that can be seen in this movie.

First, the supernatural: Most of Halloween Town’s residents would be considered supernatural beings. There are vampires, witches, ghosts, and many other creatures. The main characters include a skeleton, an animated ragdoll, and a ghost. Even Santa has magic that cannot be explained.

The next element is the atmosphere. The film begins with dissonant music that signals to the viewer that the movie, although fun, is dark and suspenseful. The music sets you on edge. The animation style–claymation–also looks slightly morbid. The characters’ features are off putting. Atmosphere is also closely connected to the following element—setting.

The setting is very gothic. It is dark and gloomy, complete with fog and old architecture. There is a mad scientist who lives in something that resembles an old castle. This scientist and his creation are also reminiscent of the story of Frankenstein and his creature. There is also a graveyard that Jack frequents multiple times. Significant character development takes place in another graveyard as well — it’s where Jack realizes that he actually does find fulfillment in his role as the pumpkin king.

Next, there are the elements of a damsel in distress and romance. At the end of the movie, Sally is a damsel in distress. When she and Santa are captured by Oogie Boogie, Jack comes and saves them. Jack and Sally also experience a romance together.

Next is the element of prophecy. At one point in the film, Sally has a vision that foreshadows Jack’s Christmas ending badly. She holds a flower that looks like a Christmas tree, which then bursts into flames. This symbolizes the destruction that later occurs.

The last element is the sublime. The sublime is a feeling of wonder or awe, especially when one is exposed to something powerful or dangerous, like a cliffside or mountain range. The sublime is present in Jack’s awe of Christmas Town. It is something that he is drawn to, but doesn’t understand. And it is also dangerous, because it disrupts the balance of both holidays.

The Nightmare Before Christmas is full of gothic elements. It is interesting how the same themes present in classic gothic texts are still artistically portrayed over such diverse mediums today. This presents an opportunity for more people, particularly children, to be exposed to its characteristics and features. After all, the average child isn’t going to read Frankenstein or the Mysteries of Udolpho.