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Writer's pictureBrady Drake

Actor Spotlight: James Stewart in "It's a Wonderful Life"

Updated: Dec 24, 2021


James Stewart as George Bailey is the performance of a lifetime, and it's probably my 2nd favorite portrayal ever! It's as dynamic and multi-layered as any other. Watching this exhibition should be required viewing. It doesn't matter what time of year it is when you're watching a transformative performance.


➡️ ABOUT THE MAN: Born in 1908, James Stewart had a storied career as an actor being ranked highly in multiple 'best actor' lists of all-time. Not only that, but he was also the first Hollywood thespian to join the military. He earned his way all the way up to colonel while actively flying for the air force. After the war, he became a brigadier general in the reserves.

➡️ WHAT SEPARATES THIS ROLE? Remember, this is 1947, and the concept and causes of depression are still being debated in the scientific community. We take for granted the sympathetic approach of modern-day society to mental illness, but this communal change didn't really occur until the 70s and 80s. Scientists began earlier, but it was still largely not understood. Many believed it couldn't be cured or treated. (If you want to know more, try here) Here's why I bring this up. George Bailey may still be the best depiction we have of a depressed person in fictional media.


Let's ascertain why. Yes, there have been many depictions of depressed people since with some good and some bad versions. A certain 2019 film *cough cough* with someone dancing on some stairs is a fine example... if you want to impair the mental health movement. You can personal message on FB if you want to know more.

James Stewart's depiction has stood the test of time. From the outside looking in, he should be generally happy. Mr. Bailey has a loving wife, darling children, close family, good friends, and his own business (albeit a sometimes struggling one). A slow build-up of depression causes him to falter. He never attended college or became an architect or traveled or anything he originally set out to accomplish. Combine this with what we know about depression, and it's a bomb. George Bailey wants to end his life.

The real man, James Stewart, reportedly suffered from mental illness himself, and this movie was produced after WWII. Now, this is pure speculation that I'm reciting here. Stewart endued part of himself into George Bailey. On a subconscious level, he used this understanding and did every little thing perfectly. It's incredible to witness. I'm not happy he languished, but this role can be beneficial to the commonwealth of sufferers.


It shows what impact your life can have even on people you barely even know. We aren't better off gone. We are better off trying to be a better person. The way he largely did that is next.

You can't ignore the Christianity tones either in this role. There are literally angels in the movie too. Mr. Bailey throughout the movie isn't devout from what we can tell. He goes through this harrowing experience, and he gains an appreciation for the teachings.

Besides everything I've talked about so far, his vocational techniques are top-notch. His speech, gait, and especially his facial expressions are exemplary. There's a moment where he turns slowly to the camera showing shock, anger, perplexity, and fear at the same time.


➡️ This is truly a viewing pleasure to see. It's an inspiring performance that can help a lot of people. I watch it every year, and I will continue to do so. If you haven't seen this yet, it's time! This has been James Stewart's It's a Wonderful Life *Actor Spotlight*.


"Remember, No Man is a Failure Who Has Friends"- Clarence
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