MovieChat Forums > One Magic Christmas (1985) Discussion > Harry Dean Stanton just incredible.

Harry Dean Stanton just incredible.

posted 13 years ago by velvoofell
5 replies | jump to latest

I watched this one Christmas, on Scottish Television, in the midst of a few bad years for my family in the late eighties - bereavements, financial crises, almost the whole deal. Anyway, enough self-indulgent nonsense from me. Stanton's Gideon just stood out for me. The film does have the best screen Santa ever, but Stanton just wowed me - a real understated, world weary and wise performance. A severely underrated film (partially because of the nastiness of the central crime) an abandoned Christmas film that needs rediscovering!

[–] casablanca 13 years ago

Oh yes. He is truly one of the great actors of our time, from small parts (Red Dawn) (Kellys Heros) to this gem of a movie, Harry Dean Stanton never disappoints.

[–] mrmac9 13 years ago

I totally agree that Harry Dean Stanton gave a remarkable performance in this film. The fact that he played an angel who was once a living breathing person is biblically unsound, but who cares? This film is perfect for watching on a cold winter night in the run up to Christmas. Definitely one of my seasonal favourites!

[–] erinthelass 13 years ago

I absolutely agree with you that this is a sweet Christmas film and Harry Dean Stanton turns in a beautiful performance. It's terribly underrated movie and I don't know why.

But one question (I'm just curious) about what you said -- how is an angel who was once a living person "biblically unsound"? I always thought, at least in Christian teachings, that a person on Earth becomes an angel in heaven at death. Have I misunderstood the meaning of "angel"?

[–] childer_orion700 10 years ago

But one question (I'm just curious) about what you said -- how is an angel who was once a living person "biblically unsound"? I always thought, at least in Christian teachings, that a person on Earth becomes an angel in heaven at death. Have I misunderstood the meaning of "angel"?

That's hogwash. Have you ever actually red the bible? Angels are a separate race god created before man. The idea what "everyone becomes and angel once they die and go to heaven" is childish nonsense that people tell their children to make them feel better about someone's death. It has no basis in christianity or the bible.

[–] dicmar_rot 10 years ago

Harry Dean Stanton was perfect for this film role. The story is unforgettable because the angel Gideon is unforgettable. His demeanor is so unexpected from a person that reflects the Christmas Spirit that he is totally mesmerizing.