Introduction National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" is a 1989 American comedy film that has become a cult classic in many households. Directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik, the film is based on an article of the same name published in National Lampoon magazine in 1980. The story follows Clark Griswold, a well-meaning but bumbling family man who sets out to create the perfect Christmas for his wife Ellen and their two children. The film was released during a time when many Americans were looking back on the idealized past of the 1950s and early 1960s, when families were more likely to gather together at holidays like Christmas. The movie pokes fun at these ideals, depicting a family that is struggling to make ends meet but still wants to maintain this nostalgic sense of tradition. The film has become beloved for its relatable portrayal of the chaos that often accompanies holiday gatherings and its memorable characters, including Cousin Eddie, a foul-mouthed and eccentric relative who crashes on the Griswold's couch. The movie also features a mix of slapstick humor and witty dialogue, making it both entertaining and cringe-worthy at times. In addition to its comedic value, "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" has become a staple of holiday viewing for many families, often playing alongside other classic Christmas films like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Miracle on 34th Street." The film's enduring popularity is a testament to the power of humor to bring people together during the most stressful time of year.
Plot and Themes National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" is a classic holiday comedy film released in 1989. The movie follows Clark Griswold, a well-meaning but slightly eccentric family man who wants to have a traditional American Christmas. Clark (played by Chevy Chase) is determined to create the perfect holiday experience for his family, including his wife Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo), son Rusty (Johnny Galecki), daughter Audrey (Juliette Lewis), and their relatives. However, things quickly go awry when Clark's plans are constantly thwarted. The movie explores several themes, including: 1. The absurdity of holiday expectations: Clark's desire for a traditional Christmas is portrayed as an unrealistic and sometimes ridiculous goal. 2. Family dynamics: The Griswold family is depicted as loving but flawed, with each member having their own quirks and conflicts. 3. Class differences: The movie pokes fun at the idea that wealthier families have better holidays than those who are less affluent. Throughout the film, Clark's enthusiasm for Christmas is contrasted with his family's more cynical views on the holiday season. This creates a humorous but ultimately heartwarming story about the importance of love and acceptance during the holiday season. The movie also features memorable supporting characters, including Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid), who adds to the chaos and hilarity of the film. Overall, "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" is a beloved holiday classic that has become a staple of Christmas viewing for many families. Its blend of slapstick humor, witty dialogue, and relatable themes make it a timeless comedy that continues to entertain audiences today.
Performance and Direction National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" (1989) is a beloved holiday comedy film that has become a staple of many families' annual traditions. Here's an evaluation of the performances of the main actors and the direction: **Actors:** * **Chevy Chase**: Chase plays Clark Griswold, the well-meaning but hapless patriarch of the Griswold family. His performance is outstanding, bringing a perfect balance of humor, frustration, and relatability to the role. * **Beverly D'Angelo**: D'Angelo plays Ellen Griswold, Clark's wife and the voice of reason in the family. Her performance is excellent, providing a grounding influence on her husband and children. * **Juliette Lewis**: Lewis makes her film debut as Audrey Griswold, the Griswolds' daughter. She is energetic and lively, bringing a youthful exuberance to the role. * **Johnny Galecki**: Galecki plays Rusty Griswold, the Griswolds' son. He is awkward and endearing, making his character's misadventures both cringe-worthy and entertaining. **Direction:** * **Jeremiah S. Chechik**: Chechik directed "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," bringing a keen eye for comedic timing to the film. His direction helps to maximize the humor in Chase's performance and the absurd situations that unfold. The cinematography is bright and colorful, capturing the festive atmosphere of the holiday season. The editing is quick-paced and energetic, keeping up with the fast-moving comedy. **Other Notes:** * **Supporting cast**: Randy Quaid's cameo as Cousin Eddie is memorable, and Miriam Flynn adds to the chaos as Clark's eccentric aunt. * **Script**: The screenplay by John Hughes and Nicholas Kolbert is full of clever one-liners and wacky situations that have become iconic in holiday comedy. **Overall:** "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" is a masterclass in comedic filmmaking, with outstanding performances from the main actors and direction by Jeremiah S. Chechik. The film has aged remarkably well, remaining funny and relatable to audiences of all ages.
Technical Aspects National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" is a 1989 American holiday comedy film directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik, starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid, John Randolph, and Miriam Flynn. Here are some technical aspects of the movie: 1. Cinematography: The film was shot on 35mm Kodak film stock using a combination of Arriflex 35II and Panavision cameras. The cinematographer, Tim Suhrstedt, used a mix of single-camera setups and Steadicam shots to create a sense of movement and energy in the scenes. 2. Sound Design: The sound design for "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" was handled by Larry Simmons, who used a combination of location recordings and post-production effects to create the film's distinctive audio atmosphere. Simmons used a variety of techniques to enhance the sound of the characters' dialogue, including adding room noise and ambiance. 3. Visual Effects: The visual effects in "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" were minimal, with most being simple compositing elements like explosions, smoke, and fire. However, some more complex visual effects were used in certain scenes, such as the exploding turkey at the dinner table. 4. Editing: The film was edited by Jerry Greenberg using a combination of linear and non-linear editing techniques. Greenberg used a mix of fast cuts and longer takes to create a sense of chaos and energy in the scenes. 5. Lighting: The lighting for "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" was handled by cinematographer Tim Suhrstedt, who used a combination of natural light and artificial sources to create the film's distinctive look. Suhrstedt used a mix of hard and soft lighting to create contrast and depth in the scenes. 6. Production Design: The production design for "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" was handled by David L. Snyder, who used a combination of real locations and sets to create the film's various environments. Snyder designed the characters' homes, as well as other settings like the office and the park, to reflect their personalities and backgrounds. 7. Visual Storytelling: The visual storytelling in "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" is focused on the characters and their interactions with each other. The film uses a combination of camera angles, lighting, and composition to create mood and atmosphere in each scene.
More Details National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Here's some information on "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation": **Cast:** * Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold * Beverly D'Angelo as Ellen Griswold (Clark's wife) * Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie Johnson * Miriam Flynn as Catherine Johnson (Eddie's wife) * Johnny Galecki as Rusty Griswold (Clark and Ellen's son) * Juliette Lewis as Audrey Griswold (Clark and Ellen's daughter) **Production Companies:** * National Lampoon Productions * Westerly Films * PolyGram Filmed Entertainment **Interesting Trivia:** 1. The film was originally intended to be a comedy about Thanksgiving, but the scriptwriters couldn't come up with enough material for a full-length movie. As a result, they decided to set it during Christmas instead. 2. The Griswold family home, where most of the movie takes place, is located in Oak Park, Illinois. It's actually a real house that was chosen specifically for its unique architecture and decor. 3. Chevy Chase improvised many of his lines and physical comedy bits during filming, which added to the movie's humor. 4. The character of Cousin Eddie Johnson was based on a real-life relative of Randy Quaid's. 5. The "burning down the Christmas tree" scene took four days to film due to the complexities of setting up the special effects. 6. The Griswold family's neighbors, the Masseys, were played by two different actors in different scenes. The actor who played them in the outside scenes was not able to return for the inside scenes, so a different actor had to be found. 7. Clark Griswold's infamous "Shitter was full" rant is one of the most memorable moments from the movie, and it wasn't scripted. Chevy Chase improvised the entire scene on the spot during filming. 8. The film's soundtrack features a mix of classic Christmas songs and original compositions by Elmer Bernstein. 9. "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" has become a staple of holiday programming on TV each year, with many stations airing it multiple times throughout December. 10. The movie was re-released in 2003 as part of the "National Lampoon's Holiday Collection" DVD set, which also included "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation II: Cousin Eddie's Island Adventure."
Conclusion National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" is a holiday classic that has become synonymous with the chaos of family gatherings during the holiday season. The film's strengths are numerous, starting with its relatable protagonist, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase), who embodies the perfect blend of enthusiasm and frustration as he navigates his eccentric family. The movie's witty script, penned by John Hughes, is full of clever one-liners and physical comedy that adds to the film's humor. The supporting cast, including Beverly D'Angelo as Ellen Griswold and Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie, brings their own unique brand of zaniness to the table. However, the film also has its weaknesses. At times, the pacing can feel a bit slow, particularly during the extended sequences of holiday chaos. Additionally, some viewers may find Clark's antics to be overly annoying or off-putting. Despite these flaws, "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" remains a beloved holiday classic that continues to entertain audiences to this day. Its relatable portrayal of family dynamics and its over-the-top humor make it a staple of the season. Overall, I give this film four out of five stars for its ability to capture the essence of the holiday season in all its chaotic glory.