Was ‘The Polar Express’ Just a Dream? 

The 2004 rendition of ‘The Polar Express’ by Robert Zemeckis has solidified its status as a contemporary Christmas classic. The film, which combines exciting and fantastical elements, portrays the romance of a visit to the North Pole and is based on Chris Van Allsburg’s 1985 children’s novel. But because of its surreal quality, there have been discussions concerning whether the events were genuine or merely the Hero Boy’s imagination.

The uncertainty is increased by the fact that the story starts with the youngster in bed and concludes with him waking up. The train’s dangerous activities, such as skating across freezing lakes and climbing steep inclines, defy common sense. Dreamlike abstraction is suggested by characters such as Tom Hanks playing several parts and the mysterious Hobo. With its extravagant choreography, even the well-known hot chocolate sequence seems unreal. However, the last unwrapped silver bell offers concrete evidence that the journey wasn’t merely a fantasy.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

This blending of fantasy and realism is reminiscent of American Romantic storytelling traditions from the 19th century, when works such as Washington Irving’s ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ allowed for both possible readings. Similarly, until magic shifts the balance in favour of the events being genuine at the end of ‘The Polar Express’, this dualism is maintained.

The Hero Boy’s mental struggle regarding his belief in Santa Claus and the spirit of Christmas is symbolized by the train ride. Instead of undermining reality, the magic heightens the story’s themes of awe and faith. The boy’s torn pocket, which is reminiscent of his rail ride, adds to the reality of the trip.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

This captivating story may soon be continued for moviegoers. A possible sequel has been alluded to by producer Gary Goetzman, who may update the original plot with additional aspects or examine a different generation of passengers. The possibility of a follow-up has reignited interest among ‘Polar Express’ fans, despite the lack of official news.

–Farheen Ali 

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