Introduction
Vacation is a 2015 American comedy film directed by Jonathan M. Goldstein and John Francis Daley. The movie follows Rusty Griswold, played by Ed Helms, as he attempts to recreate his father’s infamous cross-country vacation from the 1983 classic National Lampoon’s Vacation. Accompanied by his wife Debbie (Christina Applegate) and their two sons, Rusty takes the family on an ill-fated road trip across America.
The purpose of this article is to explore the various filming locations of Vacation as well as the production design and special effects used to create the movie’s unique setting. We will also discuss how the setting reflects the movie’s themes and story, and what economic impact the film had on the areas where it was filmed.
Interview with Director and Cast
In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, director Jonathan M. Goldstein discussed the reasons for selecting certain locations for the film: “We wanted to capture a sense of America that felt real but not clichéd. So we decided to shoot in multiple states. We went to some really interesting places – like South Dakota, Ohio and New Mexico – that are maybe off the beaten path, but still visually stunning.”
Goldstein also described the process of scouting and selecting filming locations: “We spent a lot of time looking at different places and deciding which ones would give us the most bang for our buck. We were very conscious of not wanting to just go to the same places everybody else goes to because it’s easy. We wanted to go somewhere unexpected, so we ended up shooting in some very cool places.”
Research Locales Featured in the Movie
To trace back the movie’s filming locations, we conducted extensive research on the various locales featured in Vacation. We then compared and contrasted the film’s location with its real-world counterpart.
One of the movie’s primary settings is Walley World, a fictional theme park located somewhere in the Midwest. Although the park itself does not exist, the filmmakers chose Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles, California as the primary location for filming the exterior shots. For the interior shots of the park, they opted for Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California.
Another notable location featured in the movie is Mount Rushmore. While no scenes were actually filmed at the iconic national monument, the filmmakers used digitally composited images of the mountain to create the illusion that the Griswolds were there. This technique allowed them to save time and money on the production.
The majority of the film’s outdoor scenes were shot in New Mexico, specifically in and around Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Various landmarks such as the Petroglyph National Monument and the San Felipe de Neri Church were included in the movie’s backdrop.
The Griswolds’ final destination is the Grand Canyon, which was filmed at Havasu Falls in Arizona. The filmmakers used a combination of digital effects and practical effects to create the illusion of the characters standing atop the canyon’s rim.
Production Design and Special Effects
The production design and special effects used to create the movie’s unique setting were essential to the success of Vacation. From the color palette to the costume design, every element of the production was carefully crafted to reflect the movie’s narrative and visual aesthetic.
The filmmakers employed a variety of techniques to bring the movie’s world to life, including the use of CGI, motion capture, and green screen technology. For example, the film’s iconic car chase scene was created using a combination of CGI and motion capture, allowing the filmmakers to create a realistic and thrilling sequence without having to put any of the actors in danger.
The movie also features a number of cultural influences, from the music to the style of dress. These influences help to shape the movie’s narrative and visual aesthetic, giving it a unique and distinct feel.
Discuss the Setting’s Reflection of Themes and Story
The setting of Vacation is integral to the movie’s themes and story. As the Griswolds travel from one location to the next, they encounter a variety of people and experiences that serve to highlight the importance of family and togetherness. The movie also serves as a commentary on the changing nature of the American landscape and how it has been impacted by the proliferation of technology.
It is also worth noting the economic impact of the film’s production on the areas where it was filmed. According to the New Mexico Film Office, Vacation generated an estimated $17 million in economic activity in the state and created over 400 jobs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this article explored the various filming locations of Vacation as well as the production design and special effects used to create the movie’s unique setting. We discussed how the setting reflects the movie’s themes and story, and what economic impact the film had on the areas where it was filmed.
The results of our research demonstrate that understanding the context of a movie’s filming location can be invaluable in appreciating its themes and story. By exploring the various settings featured in Vacation, we gain a greater appreciation for the movie and its place in American culture.
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