The Snowman 2017

As the moon dipped below the horizon in rural Brighton, a blanket of snow-covered silence enveloped the sleepy town. Amidst this serene backdrop, young James (character name) stirred from slumber, eager to indulge in the winter wonderland unfolding before him. He spent hours constructing an imposing snowman, his creativity fueled by the crisp morning air.

As the clock struck midnight, James’ curiosity got the better of him, and he crept downstairs to find his snowy creation had taken on a life of its own. The two became fast friends, sharing in the thrill of exploring James’ house, using appliances and toys as playthings, and tiptoeing past sleeping parents. Their nocturnal adventure culminated with the discovery of a sheeted-down motorcycle in the garden, which they commandeered for a high-speed joyride through the woods.

As the snowman’s coal eyes sparkled in the moonlight, his engine heat began to melt away at an alarming rate. In a bid to cool down, he retreated to the garage freezer, where he luxuriated among the frosty air and ice cubes. It was here that James showed him a packet of arctic scenery, which sent the snowman’s thoughts reeling.

Without warning, they took flight, soaring above the South Downs and drifting over the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Palace Pier. Their aerial journey continued north along Norway’s coast, before veering into the breathtaking expanse of the aurora borealis. Eventually, they landed in a snow-covered forest, where they joined a merry party of snowmen.

As fate would have it, they crossed paths with Father Christmas and his reindeer entourage. The jolly old elf bestowed upon James a special card and a scarf adorned with a snowman pattern. As the sun began to rise, the snowman bid James farewell, and the two companions parted ways for the night.

The following morning, James awakened to find that his snowy friend had melted away, leaving behind only his hat, scarf, coal eyes, tangerine nose, and coal buttons in a puddle of slush. The young boy knelt beside the remains, cradling his scarf as he mourned the loss of his winter wonderland companion.

As the cameras roll, renowned author Raymond Briggs embarks on a leisurely stroll through the rolling hills of rural Sussex, his narrative unfolding like a warm breeze as he recounts the genesis of his iconic story. This cinematic odyssey seamlessly transitions from Briggs’ rustic surroundings to the vibrant animated world that has captivated audiences for generations.

However, behind-the-scenes machinations were underway to bring this beloved tale to a broader audience. Executive producer Iain Harvey had piqued the interest of U.S. networks and VHS distributors, but there was a catch: they required a marquee name to seal the deal. A roster of esteemed actors, including Laurence Olivier and Julie Andrews, was floated as potential narrators, but it was David Bowie’s unique blend of artistry and authenticity that ultimately secured his involvement. This legendary musician had previously collaborated with Briggs on an animated adaptation of When the Wind Blows, and his distinctive vocals added a new layer of depth to the film.

In this pivotal sequence, Bowie is filmed in the attic of his childhood home, where he stumbles upon a scarf eerily reminiscent of the one bestowed upon James towards the story’s poignant conclusion. As he begins to narrate the opening credits, he subtly infuses Briggs’ monologue with his own distinct flair, imbuing the scene with an air of whimsy and charm.

To commemorate the film’s 20th anniversary, Channel 4 commissioned a reimagined opening, this time directed by Roger Mainwood. In this new take, Raymond Briggs assumes the role of Father Christmas, regaling audiences with the tale of how he first encountered James. As Father Christmas settles in for a cozy evening, he turns on his television and invites viewers to join him as he watches the film unfold. Comedian Mel Smith reprises his role as James in this revised opening, which features a sleek 16:9 widescreen format.

This alternative opening enjoyed a successful run from 2002 until Mel Smith’s passing in 2013, at which point Channel 4 returned to the original David Bowie-narrated sequence. As a result, the film reverted back to its original 4:3 aspect ratio, allowing audiences to once again become fully immersed in the magical world that Briggs so masterfully created.