How is it that the film Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Cottage--which tells the inspirational story of the self-anointed "Painter of Light"'s most famous work; stars Jared Padalecki ("Supernatural"), Marcia Gay Harden, and Peter O'Toole; and ought to have a built in audience of Kinkade fans--went from being a Christmas 2007 theatrical release to a straight-to-video product that dropped last week? Some clues may be found in this memo, uncovered by Vanity Fair, in which the painter offers 16 guidelines for creating "The Thomas Kinkade Look." A sample:
6) Hidden details whenever possible, References to my children (from
youngest to oldest as follows): Evie, Winsor, Chandler and Merritt.
References to my anniversary date, the number 52, the number 82, and
the number 5282 (for fun, notice how many times this appears in my
major published works). Hidden N's throughout -- preferably thirty N's,
commemorating one N for each year since the events happened....
12) Surprise details. Suggest a few "inside references" that are unique
to this production. Small details that I can mention in interviews that
stimulate second or third viewings -- for example, a "teddy bear
mascot" for the movie that appears occasionally in shots. This is a fun
process to pursue, and most movies I'm aware of normally have hidden
"inside references". In the realm of fine art we refer to this as
"second reading, third reading, etc." A still image attracts the viewer
with an overall impact, then reveals smaller details upon further
study. ...
16) Most important concept of all -- THE CONCEPT OF LOVE. Perhaps we
could make large posters that simply say "Love this movie" and post
them about. I pour a lot of love into each painting, and sense that our
crew has a genuine affection for this project. This starts with Michael
Campus as a Director who feels great love towards this project, and
should filter down through the ranks. Remember: "Every scene is the
best scene."
Fans disappointed at the movie's less-than-flattering rollout can console themselves that, according to imdb.com, it is still getting a theatrical release in Iceland.
--Christopher Orr