The Magic of Santa Claus

Complaining about Christmas coming earlier every year is basically an Autumn tradition at this point. But some grace really should be given to stop-motion projects showing up a little early – after all animating a couple of seconds can take days so timing release perfectly for the December window really seems to be tempting fate. Besides, there’s only 96 days left until the 25th, so you can treat yourself to The Magic of Santa Claus a little early.

Brought to life in the classic Claymation style that Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer made iconic (and that Elf memorably parodied), this short tells a poignant story of Santa Claus who finds he only has one day left to live. Looking back over his life, from humble beginnings to the worldwide operation the Christmas day has become, he feels a sense of fulfilment and bliss – and decides to take out the old red sleigh for one last ride.

Claymation as an art is one that rightly fascinates and amazes viewers regardless of story, setting or character. The sheer difficulty and commitment required to bring movies to life through the slightest movements – from tiny facial expressions to supernatural moments of wonder – mean any creation is remarkable and admirable. This is no less true for The Magic of Santa Claus, and director Andrew De Burgh and sculptor C. Diamant combine to create a North Pole, workshop and Middle Eastern setting that is believable and convincing.

The characters themselves are a little more a mixed-bag, with motions and movements a little limited – perhaps by production/budget restrictions. Beyond the occasional arm movements, complex motions are generally not attempted, limiting the visual interest of the audience. The emotions of the characters are plainer to see and there are some genuinely moving moments – such as Santa’s final meeting with his reindeer which is further testament (if we needed it) that real, human emotions can be instigated by a piece of plasticine. There are other rough edges around the production, such as a failure to succinctly integrate printed text which impacts on viewer immersion negatively.

The story is quite basic – little context is really given to Santa’s condition or why he has only a day left on Earth (it’s a good thing mail reaches one on time in the North Pole). His journey through memory lane is touching, and shows that leading a good life will provide fulfilment at one’s end and leave a positive legacy for those left behind. The film really is more of an exercise in the artform rather than a tightly-woven narrative.

The bar for Claymation is set so incredibly high by a certain studio and their cheese-loving duo, that it’s easy to forget just how difficult producing any film in the form is. The Magic of Santa Claus fails to match the highs of its contemporaries, but that doesn’t mean it is without value. Andrew De Burgh clearly understands the importance of emotion in his characters, and manages to realise this in several touching moments in his short. It’s not Rudolph, but there is some magic here.