How The Grinch Stole Christmas . . . and My Heart
Linda Jones put it this way, "Chuck says a good film must have a point of view for the audience. Everyone watching can identify with Max. Even though the Grinch is mean, Max still loves him unconditionally. Max became the audience's point of view." Chuck Jones also points out that, "Max represents all of us. He is very honest, very decent, and a very put-upon dog. Dr. Seuss described him as 'Everydog--all love and limpness and loyalty'." Max's agape teaches us to be kind to everyone because deep down inside we are basically all the same.
Who the Grinch Really Is
There has been a long standing friendly debate about who the Grinch really is--during the making of the film, Geisel and Jones has occasional arguments about the Grinch's appearance. Linda Jones noted that, "When the Grinch's heart becomes two sizes bigger, his eyes turn a pretty blue (like Chuck Jones) and his complexion turns into a pleasing green. It was a self portrait of my father."
Different cultures have different Christmas traditions, yet all their differences are bonded together by one aspect--love. All the Grinch could think about was the noise of children playing with their new toys and the Whos gathered around the tree singing joyfully for Christmas Day. After ransacking Whoville and stealing every bit of Christmas, the Grinch's tender moment happens when he realizes it is not about the noise, or the tree trimmings, or the "roast beast" feast, not even the blissful singing.
Christmas is about love and peace for mankind and sharing it with one another, not only on Christmas Day but everyday. As Chuck Jones put it that evening, "When you work, only the love should show, not the work." How The Grinch Stole Christmas has revealed that love for 30 years and will for many more decades to come.
Frankie Kowalski is a former Associate Editor of Animation World Magazine.
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