If you’re a fan of Christmas movies, there’s no doubt that you’ve seen National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. One of the most iconic scenes in the movie is the sled scene. But have you ever wondered how they pulled it off?
The Sled Scene
In the sled scene, Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) decides to grease up his metal saucer sled and take it for a spin down an icy hill. As he speeds down the hill, he quickly discovers that he has no way to stop and ends up careening through town and crashing into a Walmart parking lot.
The Making of the Scene
Creating the sled scene was no easy feat. The filmmakers had to find a way to make it look like Chevy Chase was actually speeding down a hill on a metal sled while also ensuring his safety.
To start, they used several different techniques to film the scene. For some shots, they actually had Chevy Chase riding on a real metal sled down an icy hill. However, they also used a variety of other methods to capture different parts of the scene.
For example, in some shots, they used a dummy or stuntman on a sled instead of Chevy Chase. They also used green screen technology to superimpose Chevy’s face onto footage of someone else sledding.
The Importance of Special Effects
Another important element in creating the sled scene was special effects. To make it look like Clark was speeding down the hill at breakneck speeds, they used camera tricks such as low-angle shots and sped-up footage.
They also added sound effects to enhance the realism of the scene. The sound of Clark’s sled scraping against the pavement and crashing into various objects was added in post-production.
- Low-angle shots were used to make it look like Clark was speeding down the hill
- Sped-up footage was used to make it look like he was going faster than he actually was
- Sound effects were added to enhance the realism of the scene
The Role of the Actors
Finally, the actors themselves played a crucial role in bringing the sled scene to life. Chevy Chase had to be willing to take risks and ride down a real hill on a metal sled, even if it meant putting himself in danger.
Other actors also played important roles in the scene. For example, when Clark crashes into the Walmart parking lot, his wife and kids are there waiting for him. Their reactions help sell the realism of the scene and make it feel more believable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, creating the sled scene in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation was no easy feat. It required a combination of special effects, camera tricks, and risky stunts to bring it all together. But at the end of the day, it’s one of the most memorable scenes in one of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time.