*How the Grinch Stole Christmas (film)

*How the Grinch Stole Christmas (film)
Name	How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Caption	Theatrical release poster
Director	Ron Howard
Producer	Brian Grazer
Screenplay	Jeffrey Price, Peter S. Seaman
Based on	How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Dr. Seuss
Starring	Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, Bill Irwin, Molly Shannon
Music	James Horner
Cinematography	Don Peterman
Editing	Dan Hanley, Mike Hill
Studio	Imagine Entertainment, Universal Pictures
Distributor	Universal Pictures
Released	2000, 11, 8, Grauman's Chinese, 2000, 11, 17, United States
Runtime	104 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$123 million
Gross	$345.1 million

*How the Grinch Stole Christmas (film) is a 2000 American Christmas film directed by Ron Howard and produced by Brian Grazer for Imagine Entertainment. The live-action adaptation expands Dr. Seuss's classic 1957 children's book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, into a full-length feature exploring the Grinch's origins. With Jim Carrey in the titular role under extensive prosthetic makeup, the film blends slapstick comedy and sentimentality to tell the story of a misanthropic creature's attempt to ruin the holiday for the cheerful citizens of Whoville.

Plot

In the snowy, whimsical mountain town of Whoville, the Christmas-obsessed Whos celebrate the holiday with relentless cheer. The story delves into the past of the Grinch, revealing he was an orphaned Who child ridiculed for his green appearance and eventually exiled. Living in a cavern atop Mount Crumpit, he plots to steal Christmas by posing as Santa Claus and pilfering all decorations, presents, and food from every home in Whoville. His plan is complicated by the persistent kindness of young Cindy Lou Who, who sees good in him. The Grinch's heart, famously "two sizes too small," grows when he witnesses the Whos celebrating Christmas without material possessions, leading him to return the stolen items and join their feast.

Cast

Jim Carrey portrays the Grinch, performing under hours of prosthetic makeup designed by Rick Baker. Taylor Momsen plays the pivotal role of Cindy Lou Who, while Jeffrey Tambor and Christine Baranski appear as her parents, Mayor Augustus Maywho and Martha May Whovier. Bill Irwin plays Lou Lou Who, and Molly Shannon is Betty Lou Who. The cast also includes Clint Howard as Whobris, and narration is provided by Anthony Hopkins. Key supporting roles feature Mindy Sterling as Clarnella and the voice of Max provided by Frank Welker.

Production

Development began at Imagine Entertainment after Universal Pictures acquired the feature film rights. Director Ron Howard and producer Brian Grazer aimed to create a live-action spectacle faithful to the visual style of Dr. Seuss. The screenplay by Jeffrey Price and Peter S. Seaman significantly expanded the book's narrative. The elaborate sets, including the massive Whoville constructed on soundstages in Los Angeles, were designed by Merideth Boswell to mimic the book's cartoon aesthetic. Rick Baker's Academy Award-winning makeup for Jim Carrey was a monumental undertaking, requiring application each day. The score was composed by James Horner, who incorporated elements of holiday music.

Release

The film had its world premiere on November 8, 2000, at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood before opening wide in North America on November 17. Universal Pictures mounted a massive marketing campaign, with extensive promotional tie-ins including deals with Burger King and Hallmark Cards. The release was strategically timed for the holiday season to maximize box office performance. It was later released on DVD and VHS in November 2001, becoming a top-selling home video title.

Reception

The film received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its visual design, Rick Baker's makeup, and Jim Carrey's physical performance, but criticism for its overly broad humor and perceived departure from the source material's tone. It was a major commercial success, grossing over $345 million worldwide against a $123 million budget, becoming the sixth-highest-grossing film of 2000. At the 73rd Academy Awards, Rick Baker won the Academy Award for Best Makeup. Jim Carrey was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.

Legacy

The film solidified the live-action Dr. Seuss adaptation trend in Hollywood, preceding projects like ''The Cat in the Hat''. It has become a Christmas film staple, receiving annual television broadcasts on networks like ABC and Freeform. The character design and portrayal of the Grinch by Jim Carrey remain iconic in popular culture. The film's success led to subsequent animated adaptations, including the 2018 Illumination film The Grinch. Merchandise, from plush toys to holiday decorations, continues to be widely sold.

Category:2000 films Category:American Christmas films Category:Universal Pictures films