‘The Polar Express’ is undoubtedly an absolute classic Christmas movie, and anyone who hasn’t seen it at least 5 times in your life… what are you waiting for?
Sure, the animations are ever so slightly unsettling, and the large amount of characters voiced/played by Tom Hanks is unusual to say the least (the conductor, the ghost, Santa Claus, the father, the list goes on), but it is most certainly my go-to Christmas film, and I’m not ashamed to say I’ve already watched it at least three times this winter.
However, viewing it with a more mature perspective in recent years, I’ve noticed several motifs and deeper meanings that I hadn’t picked up on as a young child, realising the philosophical thoughts concealed behind the film’s children-targeted, festive exterior.
For those of you who haven’t seen the film, it follows the story of how a young boy with a strong scepticism about Santa awakes in the night to a steam engine pulling up outside his house. Having boarded the train, after a few antics concerning lost tickets and caribou on the tracks, they pull up at the North Pole, where he and two friends get separated from the group, having to find their way back to meet Santa. The movie follows the boys character development and how, as his belief in Santa Claus gradually returns, he learns valuable life lessons, as do other children on the train.
But alongside this heartwarming storyline, there are questions posed that hint at deeper ideas, commenting on adult scepticism and seizing opportunities.
- Why so much Tom Hanks?
One of the six characters Tom Hanks voices is the father of ‘Hero Boy’ (the main character), and so, some believe that the boy’s whole experience is simply a dream, and the reason that most of the characters sound the same is because, subconsciously, Hero Boy has replicated the sound of his dad’s voice in his dream.
However, the idea has also been posed that the Conductor and the Hobo (both also voiced by Tom Hanks) represent different versions of what Hero Boy could grow up to be like. The bitter Hobo is portrayed as having a lack of belief and hope, perhaps hinting at what Hero Boy would have become if he had never climbed aboard the Polar Express. The Conductor, however, is strongly believed to be Hero Boy as an adult, especially as his and the Father’s voices sound identical. He represents responsibility, but also faith and joy, showing the beneficial outcome of Hero Boy’s decision to climb aboard.
2. A Dickens reference?
The Hobo’s story of how he dies (as he is a ghost) is not explicitly mentioned, however a deleted scene states that he was killed when the train went through Flat Top Tunnel, since he was riding on top of the train. His character represents cynicism and doubt, with his ghostly self potentially being seen as an allusion to ‘A Christmas Carol’, with the Hobo representing the ‘Ghost of Christmas Past’, showing Hero Boy a potential future version of himself, if he continues pursuing a life of doubt, whereas the Conductor represents the ‘Ghost of Christmas Present’; a jolly character proving to Hero Boy the joy in believing and its rewarding nature.
3. Why the creepy puppets?
In addition to the potential Dickens allusion, a scene depicts the Hobo controlling a dilapidated Ebenezer Scrooge puppet labelling Hero Boy “a doubter”, comparing his cynical attitude to that of the cold-hearted, grumpy Dickens character. The scene takes place in a carriage full of neglected puppets and old toys, representing the loss of innocence children face as they grow up and stop believing in the magic of Christmas. However, a “re-bi-cycling” program is mentioned by the Conductor, suggesting that hope can be restored, and we see this carried out when Hero Boy is shown playing with a revamped puppet from the carriage on Christmas day, emphasising his regained belief.
4. What is Billy’s story?
Billy, a lonely, saddened boy who gradually makes friends with Hero Boy and Hero Girl (the third in the group of three new friends), is portrayed as disbelieving and distant, wary of friendships, perhaps due to trust issues. He is said to represent how disillusionment and poverty can easily prevent one from maintaining belief and happiness surrounding Christmas, perhaps depicted as a foil for Hero Boy. His journey to belief, however, shows how powerful trust and faith is, and how it can overrule deep-rooted hardship, cynicism and scepticism, seeing as in the end he finds a present from Santa back at his house.
And finally,
5. Why is it so important to get on the train?
Something stressed a lot by the conductor is the importance of Hero Boy getting on the train, with his journey presented as a mental rite of passage, shaping Hero Boy’s cynicism into belief. This is further emphasised when we see Hero Boy’s fully punched ticket fade into nothing as he places it in his pocket, ready to return home, character development complete and lesson permanently learnt. This message can be translated into our day-to-day life, urging us not to let opportunities pass by, but instead to take them up while we can. It suggests that taking an active role in decision-making ends up with us as the beneficiaries – making new friends, improving ourselves and living a life full of joy and belief.
And now the takeaway; whenever you notice your hope dwindling, turning into cynicism and doubt, seize the next opportunity that comes your way to regain that child-like happiness and carefree joy. Don’t make excuses, don’t shy away from challenges or step back because you’re unsure. Hop on the train like Hero Boy, Billy and all those other children did and enjoy the new adventure.
