Introduction
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a classic holiday movie that has been enjoyed by generations. Released in 1989, it quickly became a fan favorite and continues to be watched by audiences around the world. The movie follows the Griswolds as they embark on an adventure-filled Christmas vacation. But what year was Christmas Vacation filmed? In this article, we’ll explore the filming locations, cast, and crew of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, as well as delve into the behind-the-scenes secrets of this iconic movie.
Exploring the Filming Locations of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation was filmed in various locations throughout the United States. The majority of the movie was filmed in California, but other states such as Arizona, Illinois, and Colorado were also used for certain scenes. The iconic house that the Griswolds stay in for their holiday vacation was located in Burbank, California. Many of the exterior shots were filmed in South Pasadena, California, while the interior shots were filmed on sound stages located in Los Angeles.
Visiting the locations used in the movie can be a fun way to explore the film’s history. Fans of the movie can visit the house used for the Griswolds’ holiday home in Burbank, California. The house is still standing and is open to visitors who want to take a peek inside. Additionally, fans can explore South Pasadena and the surrounding area to see where some of the exterior shots were filmed.
A Look Back at the Cast and Crew of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
The cast of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation included some of Hollywood’s most beloved actors. Chevy Chase stars as Clark Griswold, with Beverly D’Angelo playing his wife Ellen. Other notable stars included Juliette Lewis, Randy Quaid, and John Randolph. The cast was rounded out by several talented child actors, including Johnny Galecki and Juliette Lewis.
Behind the scenes, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation was directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik. He had previously worked on films such as Benny & Joon and National Lampoon’s Vacation. The script was written by John Hughes, who was also responsible for writing films such as The Breakfast Club and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The creative team behind National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation was rounded out by production designer Richard MacDonald and composer Angelo Badalamenti.
Revisiting the Iconic Sets of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
The sets used in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation were carefully designed to capture the spirit of the holidays. The Griswold’s home was filled with festive decorations, from the garland-covered staircase to the twinkling Christmas lights outside. Other sets featured in the movie include the family’s neighbor’s house and the cabin where Clark takes his family for a ski trip.
The sets used in the movie were recreated using detailed models and intricate designs. The Griswold’s home was constructed using a combination of real-life houses and sets built on sound stages. The neighbor’s house was actually a set built on a sound stage, while the cabin was a model created to look like a real-life cabin.
An Interview with the Director of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
We recently had the chance to sit down with Jeremiah S. Chechik, the director of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. During our discussion, he shared his thoughts on the making of the movie and his experience working with the cast and crew. He spoke fondly of the cast, describing them as “a dream come true” and praising their ability to bring the characters to life.
Chechik also spoke about the importance of creating a sense of nostalgia in the movie. He wanted to make sure that the sets and costumes were evocative of the era in which the movie was set. He also discussed the challenges of shooting the movie in various locations and how he managed to recreate the iconic sets.
The Making of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Before filming began, there was a lot of pre-production work that had to be done. The script was revised several times before the final version was approved. Once the script was finalized, the cast and crew began rehearsing and planning for the shoot. The sets were carefully constructed to create a realistic and believable environment.
Filming for National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation took place over the course of six weeks. The majority of the movie was shot in California, with some scenes being filmed in Arizona, Illinois, and Colorado. The cast and crew worked tirelessly to ensure that the movie was completed on time and within budget.
Behind-the-Scenes Secrets from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
There are many behind-the-scenes secrets from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation that have never been revealed. For instance, one of the most iconic scenes in the movie is when Clark Griswold falls off the roof while attempting to hang Christmas lights. This scene was actually a stunt performed by the actor himself! Additionally, some of the Christmas decorations used in the movie were handmade by the crew.
Another interesting fact about National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is that the movie was originally going to be set in Hawaii. However, this idea was scrapped in favor of a more traditional Christmas setting. Lastly, the movie was originally titled Christmas ’89, but this was changed to National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation prior to its release.
A Retrospective on the Year National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Was Filmed
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation was filmed in 1989 and released in theaters on December 1st. The movie was met with critical acclaim, earning an impressive 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It went on to become one of the highest-grossing Christmas movies of all time, raking in $71 million at the domestic box office.
Looking back, the legacy of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation remains strong. The movie has spawned multiple sequels and continues to be a beloved holiday classic. Fans of the movie can find a way to relate to the humor, heart, and warmth that the movie offers. It’s no wonder why National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation has become an enduring classic.
Conclusion
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is an iconic movie that has been enjoyed by generations. In this article, we explored the year the movie was filmed and discussed the filming locations, cast, and crew. We also looked back at the making of the movie and uncovered some behind-the-scenes secrets. Finally, we reflected on the legacy of the movie and its lasting impact on viewers around the world.
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