Coming this Christmas is the latest adaptation of E. T. A. Hoffmann’s classic tale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” in the form of Andrey Konchalovskiy’s Nutcracker in 3D.
The trailer pays tribute to the story’s most popular adaptation, Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet – known to all of us who’ve ever taken ballet no matter how briefly. (I was an angel!) But Konchalovskiy’s approach to the tale takes dark turns in production and character design as an idyllic town that looks like it belongs under a Christmas tree is ravaged by horrific rat-faced minions of the creepier-than-ever John Turturro.
Rising child star Elle Fanning, new songs from acclaimed lyricist Tim Rice (Aladdin, The Lion King, Evita), and the ever-popular 3D draw, may attract tykes attention, while the Konchalovskiy (Tango & Cash), a noted theater director, may attract grown-ups.
Take a look:
But with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 opening days before, will Nutcracker stand a chance versus the most popular of juvenile sagas?