If you are a fan of the classic Christmas movie ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,’ you may have noticed that there are several scenes where windows are broken. In fact, it’s become somewhat of a tradition for fans to count the number of broken windows throughout the movie.
But just how many windows are broken in ‘Christmas Vacation’? Let’s take a closer look.
Introduction: The Broken Window Phenomenon
As the holiday season approaches, families gather around to watch their favorite Christmas movies. One such movie is ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,’ which has become a beloved classic since its release in 1989. However, in addition to its witty humor and heartwarming story, it also has a unique phenomenon associated with it – the broken window phenomenon.
Throughout the film, various family members and guests accidentally break windows in the Griswold family home. Some of these incidents are minor, while others result in shattered glass and chaos. Fans have made it a tradition to count each broken window throughout the movie, sparking debates about the actual number.
The Broken Windows
So just how many windows are broken in ‘Christmas Vacation’? The answer is not as straightforward as you might think. In fact, there is no definitive answer as different sources have reported different numbers over the years.
One source claims that there are 25 separate incidents where windows are damaged or destroyed in some way during the course of the film. However, another source puts this number at only 15.
Regardless of which number is correct, one thing is clear – there are certainly a lot of broken windows in this movie! Some of the most memorable include:
- Clark accidentally breaks one of his living room windows while setting up his elaborate Christmas lights display.
- The cat chases after a squirrel and ends up crashing into another living room window.
- Todd and Margo’s son throws a rock at the Griswold house, breaking a window.
- During a wild sled ride, Clark crashes into his neighbor’s home, causing several windows to shatter.
The Significance of Broken Windows
While the broken window phenomenon in ‘Christmas Vacation’ may seem like just a quirky detail, it actually serves a purpose in the film. The constant destruction of property highlights the chaos and unpredictability of the holiday season, as well as the pressure to create the perfect Christmas experience.
Moreover, it also serves as a metaphor for the fragility of family relationships. Just as easily as glass can shatter, so too can relationships break down under stress and tension. The broken windows serve as a reminder that even in times of joy and celebration, families must work hard to maintain their bonds.
Conclusion: A Movie with a Message
In conclusion, ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ may be known for its humor and hijinks, but it also has deeper themes about family and the holiday season. The broken window phenomenon is just one example of how this movie uses seemingly small details to convey important messages about life and love.
So next time you watch ‘Christmas Vacation,’ keep an eye out for those broken windows – not just for fun but also to appreciate the clever storytelling techniques used by the filmmakers.