When it comes to classic holiday movies, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is high on everyone’s list. The 1989 film follows the Griswold family as they prepare for a big family Christmas with all the trimmings. One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is when Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, goes on an epic rant after discovering that his Christmas bonus is actually a membership to the Jelly of the Month Club.
But did you know that Chevy Chase ad-libbed most of that scene? It’s true! According to director Jeremiah S. Chechik, Chase was given a basic outline of what he needed to say but was otherwise allowed to improvise.
Chase’s natural comedic talent shines through in this scene as he delivers one hilarious line after another. From “I want a damn car!” to “Hallelujah!
Holy shit! Where’s the Tylenol?” every word out of his mouth is pure gold.
The use of bold and underlined text can emphasize how iconic this scene has become in pop culture. Chase’s rant has been quoted and referenced countless times over the years, proving its lasting impact on audiences.
But it wasn’t just Chevy Chase’s improvisation skills that made this scene so memorable. The use of lists and subheaders can break down different elements that contributed to its success. The supporting cast, including Beverly D’Angelo as Clark’s wife Ellen and Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie, reacts perfectly to Clark’s meltdown, adding to the hilarity.
Additionally, the setting plays a crucial role in creating tension and humor. Clark delivers his rant while standing in front of his entire family, who are all trying their best not to laugh or make eye contact with him.
In conclusion, Chevy Chase’s ad-libbed rant in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is one of the most iconic scenes in holiday movie history. The use of various elements such as bold and underlined text, lists, and subheaders can highlight the different factors that contributed to its success. It’s a testament to Chase’s comedic talent and the overall quality of the film that this scene is still being quoted and referenced more than 30 years later.