There are a ton of Xmas movies. But this one takes a very unique spin.
I had just read about this film in a back issue of "American Cinematographer" magazine and sought this flick out. It is on Vimeo, in case anyone is wondering.
The story is of Charlie, a sad sack elevator operator, who rides his bike to work at a fairly upscale apartment complex (any building with an elevator operator is pretty upscale). Here is when he starts to scheme. With each rider, he plies them with stories of his own personal woe. The tenants, through their own sympathies, give Charlie gifts and share their Christmas wealth with him, believing that he is a destitute sad sack. The grift backfires a little when he drinks so much booze he could hardly stand let alone operate his elevator car.
His shift eventually ends and he goes home with a sack full of gifts in tow. I won't give away the ending, BUT, it does feel a little tacked on. We discover the true meaning of his take on Christmas.
Apparently this was based on a story called "Christmas Is A Sad Season For The Poor" A bit on-the-nose. A Dickensian take but still...one wonders how a longer version of this tale plays out.
Michael McCord who plays Charlie is very good. I am surprised he didn't pursue acting further. And director Paul Marashlian has real skill in balancing sweetness without going schmaltzy. Hopefully he continues to do more.
