During a reflective moment after visiting the North Pole, the Conductor says “Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are things we can’t see” The Polar Express, directed by Robert Zemeckis and released on November 10, 2004, is an exceptional animated holiday film and has been a beloved story for many generations. Based on the children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, this movie follows the journey of a young boy who joins a train ride to the North Pole, searching for the true meaning of Christmas. Along the way, he encounters a cast of magical characters and learns lessons about friendship, courage, and the power of belief. This story resonates with children who still believe in the magic of Christmas, but watch as their loved ones grow up and view it as another ordinary holiday, such as Hero Boys family and friends. This film features voice actors such as Tom Hanks, the narrator and Santa Claus, Eddie Deezen as Know-It-All, Micheal Jeater as conductor, Nona Gaye as Herol Girl, and Peter Scolari as Lonely Boy. These actors all bring their own distinct qualities to the film, giving it life while encapsulating the Christmas spirit.
The cinematography in The Polar Express uses specific techniques to heighten the sense of wonder and excitement in the film. One example is the aerial shot of the Polar Express traveling through a dark, snowy wilderness, with the glowing train shifting through the icy terrain on its way to the North Pole. The bright windows of the train contrast with the dark, icy landscape, which represents the train as a vessel of warmth, magic, and hope moving through an uninviting world. You also get a glimpse of the characters’ anticipatory faces, looking out in awe at the scenery and filled with hope of meeting Santa. Another moment is the exciting sequence when the train skids across a frozen lake right as they arrive at the North Pole. The camera follows the train’s dangerous path with dynamic and fast-paced movements, captivating the audience with the thrill of the experience. The suspense of seeing if the train will be able to escape the breaking ice following closely behind them, or if the Conductor will be able to save Hero Girl dangling on the edge, keeps you at the edge of your seat. Similarly, another captivating experience is the roller-coaster descent skidding down a mountain, showing the camera dips and curves next to the train, capturing the speed and excitement right before they enter the dangerous lake. This scene combines wide shots of the train with close-ups that highlight the characters’ reactions, showing their thrill and excitement. The conductor and workers can be seen in extreme distress and shock that such a path would be laid out for a train, and if it could withstand. Lastly, Hero Boy finds a bell on the ground, finally being able to hear it after he truly believes it, and hands it to Santa. Santa then proclaims this will be the first gift of Christmas and commends the boy’s strong faith, highlighting its importance. The closeups of the protagonist holding up the silver bell highlight its significance, with soft lighting and focus on small details, like the reflection of the train on its clean surface. This bell, on the surface, is the first gift of Christmas, but also represents Hero Boy gaining back his faith, which he had lost. The Polar Express was one of the first films that fully embraced performance capture to create an entire movie. This gave it a special dreamlike quality and set it apart from fully computer-animated films like The Incredibles or traditionally animated films like Shrek. Companies like Pixar and Dreamworks focused more on vibrant and stylized character designs, but the Polar Express aimed for a more realistic aesthetic. However, the film’s realism did at times produce the “uncanny valley” effect, with characters’ stiff expressions and lifeless eyes heavily limiting emotions. This effect could leave audience members distressed and disconnected from the characters. Additionally, its diminished color palette, although at times more atmospheric, lacks the vibrancy of other animated holiday classics, making it visually unsatisfactory for general audiences.
The casting and performances in The Polar Express truly play a key role in making the film feel special, with the actors bringing immense depth and humanity to their animated characters. Tom Hanks stands out as the star of the film, putting multiple performances in such as the Conductor, the Hobo, and even Santa Claus. Hank’s portrayal as the Conductor, in particular, balances his authority and warmth, making him a guide and comforting presence in his journey. His ability to differentiate each character’s personality adds to the richness of the movie. The filmmakers’ decision to cast Hanks as both Santa and ordinary characters may have meant to have audience members question the essence of Santa Claus; could a magical figure be someone in our everyday lives? Daryl Sabara, who plays Hero Boy, perfectly brings sincerity to the role, capturing the emotions of a child caught between skepticism and true belief. He is able to portray Hero Boy as quiet and shy, yet also filled with curiosity and always asking important questions. Nona Gaye, as Hero Girl, enforces her performance with quiet confidence and kindness, being the perfect counterpart and guide to Hero Boy. We also see her ability to take charge in crucial moments, such as helping the train run smoothly during a crisis and also showing her resourcefulness and courage to her friends. The voice performances in this film are crucial when compensating for the limited emotional range of the facial expressions, as they are how the audience members are able to connect with the characters. The voice actors’ sense of purpose and clear emotion in the scenes are able to get to the heart of the audience members, while familiar actors’ voices bring a sense of comfort. However, some performances, like Eddie Deezen’s portrayal of Know-It-All, can feel overdone or exaggerated, making him seem more satirical than endearing. While this approach will get you some laughs, it clashes with the subtle and grounded performances of the others, leading to a character that seems displaced. The chemistry between the ensemble cast is bright, bringing the children together on the train with curiosity, conversations, and a shared sense of awe. The casting choices and performances carry the film’s elements in genuine emotions, allowing the audience to connect with the characters and actors through their immersive journey.
The script of The Polar Express weaves themes of belief, wonder, and self-discovery into a story that resonates across all ages. By presenting the narrative as a blend of realism and fantasy, the script invites the audience to look at the journey through the eyes of a skeptical child who is rediscovering his faith in magic and the impossible in the world. This dialogue looks at the innocence and curiosity of a child, such as Hero Boy’s questions and fluctuating interactions, while highlighting the wisdom and warmth of characters like the Conductor and Santa Claus, who serve as beacons of guidance. The script uses subtle but meaningful moments, like Hero Boy’s hesitation to board the train or his inability to hear the bell until he believes, to help build emotional depth and attachment to the plot. Additionally, the story’s structure takes the audience through periods of doubt, wonder, and internal transformation, similar to the internal journey of the protagonist. The audience is able to feel Hero Boy’s emotions with him and are taken through the journey too, which allows for a more intimate viewing experience. The ultimate balance of deep conversations, thrilling moments, and internal introspection gives the film a nostalgic quality that leaves viewers reflecting on their own childhood beliefs once the film is over.
The Polar Express is a visually stunning and philosophical film that I would recommend for audiences of all age groups, particularly those who cherish the gift of the holiday season. Its innovative motion capture picture helps create a dreamlike quality that fades the line between reality and imagination. The film’s main themes of belief and wonder are conveyed in scenes like when Hero Boy realizes he cannot hear the bell until he truly believes, an important metaphor for faith and hope. Tom Hanks’ diverse performances add depth to the narrative, as he plays the roles of Conductor and Santa Claus, who each represent aspects of the boy’s internal struggles and help him along his journey. The thrilling scenes, such as the exhilarating frozen lake scene, are balanced by quieter moments, like the exchange of the silver bell. This roller coaster ride of emotions is satisfying and highlights how chaotic the essence of Christmas can be. However, many people feel this movie is unsettling due to the “uncanny valley” effect or criticize the story’s focus on themes of belief and the magic of Christmas, which may feel overly simplistic and cliche to some audiences. To people who find the movie unsettling, I would highlight that the film’s intention is to create a dreamlike quality, where the surreal aspects give it its magic. For those put off by the sentimentality, I’d suggest looking at the film as a fable rather than a literal narrative, its strength ultimately lies in the universal themes of faith, wonder, and hope. In the end, the Polar Express is more than a holiday movie, it’s a reminder of the magic of childhood, the importance of wonder, and the beauty of believing in something far greater than ourselves. This message makes it a must-watch every holiday season.
