Black Christmas (1974) VS A Christmas Story (1983): A Bob Clark Christmas Movie Faceoff
Bob Clark’s A Christmas Story can considered be a quintessential Christmas classic, but a decade prior, Clark directed a darker Christmas film named Black Christmas. I was shocked when I realized nobody has done an article deciding which one is the better film. I will look at both of Clark’s Christmas classics to see which is the superior film. Both films will be judged based on the following criteria: plot, characters, Clark’s direction, and cultural impact.
Plot
A Christmas Story follows a young boy’s quest to get a BB gun for Christmas. Along the way, he deals with resistance from his parents, teacher, and even a mall Santa Claus on the idea. This plot’s effectiveness relies upon audiences relating to Ralphie’s experiences and drawing connections between his and their own.
Considered to be the first proper slasher film, Black Christmas is the story of a group of sorority sisters who are hunted by a man seemingly named Billy (Nick Mancuso) during the Christmas season. The film’s simple premise keeps the pace going at a fast rate perfect for a horror film.
Both are equally great premises and have been endlessly duplicated in movies and television shows since their respective releases.
