Introduction
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is an iconic holiday comedy that has become a staple of the season since its release in 1989. The film follows the misadventures of the Griswold family as they attempt to have the “perfect” Christmas. Starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, and Randy Quaid, the movie is filled with slapstick humor and heartwarming moments that make it a timeless classic.
This article will explore what year Christmas Vacation was released, its box office success, and the cultural impact of the movie. It will also offer a look behind the scenes by examining the cast and crew, story development, and the iconic characters from the movie. Finally, the article will explore how Christmas Vacation changed holiday movies forever.
A Look Back at the History of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Christmas Vacation was released in the U.S. on December 1, 1989. The movie was a commercial success, earning over $71 million at the domestic box office against a budget of just $27 million. It also received positive reviews from critics, who praised the film’s humor and cast performances.
The movie was produced by Warner Bros. and directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik. Filming took place in California, primarily in the city of Burbank. The production team also utilized several locations throughout the greater Los Angeles area, including the famous Hollywood sign.
Exploring the Cultural Impact of Christmas Vacation
Christmas Vacation became an instant hit with audiences, and its popularity has only grown over the years. The movie is now considered a classic, and it is often ranked among the greatest holiday films of all time. It has also spawned several sequels, including National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure (2003) and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 3: Home Alone Again (2004).
Christmas Vacation has also had a lasting impact on the genre of holiday films. The movie popularized the idea of having a dysfunctional family gathering for the holidays, a trope that has been used in numerous other movies and television shows. It also showcased the comedic potential of holiday-themed stories, making it an influential entry in the genre.
The Making of Christmas Vacation: Behind the Scenes
Chevy Chase starred as Clark Griswold, the patriarch of the Griswold family. He was joined by Beverly D’Angelo as his wife Ellen, and Randy Quaid as their cousin Eddie. Other notable cast members include Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki, and Diane Ladd.
The movie was written by John Hughes, who also wrote the script for the first two Vacation movies. Hughes drew inspiration from his own family experiences to craft the story of the Griswolds. He also worked closely with the actors to help them bring the characters to life.
Revisiting the Iconic Characters from Christmas Vacation
One of the most memorable characters from Christmas Vacation is Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase. Clark is an Everyman character who is determined to have the perfect holiday despite all the obstacles he faces. His antics provide much of the movie’s comic relief.
Another beloved character is Cousin Eddie, played by Randy Quaid. Eddie is a boisterous but lovable drifter who is invited to stay with the Griswolds for Christmas. His presence provides plenty of hijinks and heartwarming moments.
How Christmas Vacation Changed Holiday Movies Forever
Christmas Vacation has had a lasting impact on the genre of holiday films. Prior to the movie, most holiday movies were sentimental dramas or lighthearted comedies. Christmas Vacation combined the two genres, creating a unique blend of humor and sentimentality that has become a staple of the genre.
The movie also popularized the idea of having a dysfunctional family gathering for the holidays, which has been used in countless other holiday films. In addition, its success paved the way for sequels and spin-offs, further cementing its legacy.
Conclusion
Released in 1989, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation has become an enduring holiday classic. The movie was a commercial success, and it has had a lasting impact on the genre of holiday films. From its iconic characters to its influence on genre conventions, Christmas Vacation has left a lasting legacy that continues to this day.
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