Have you ever wondered if the iconic pool scene in Christmas Vacation was actually filmed in a real pool? The answer may surprise you.
First, let’s set the scene. In the movie, Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, has gone to great lengths to make his family’s Christmas perfect. One of his plans includes installing a swimming pool in their backyard as a surprise for his wife and children.
But things don’t go as planned when the pool is finally filled with water. The family gathers around excitedly, only to watch as the water drains out of a crack in the bottom of the pool, leaving them with an empty hole in their yard.
So, was this scene filmed in a real pool or was it all just movie magic?
The answer is a bit of both. The exterior shots of the pool were filmed at a real house located at 2568 Shady Tree Lane in Northfield, Illinois. However, the actual pool used for filming was not real at all.
In fact, it was just an empty hole dug into the ground with a green screen set up behind it. The filmmakers then added computer-generated images of water and other elements to make it look like there was a real pool there.
But why go through all that trouble instead of just using a real pool?
Well, for starters, filming in a real pool can be difficult and time-consuming. Lighting and camera angles have to be just right to capture everything correctly. Plus, if anything goes wrong during filming – like an actor falling into the pool unexpectedly – it can ruin an entire day’s worth of shooting.
By using a fake pool and adding effects later on, filmmakers have more control over how everything looks and can avoid any unforeseen mishaps.
So while the iconic Christmas Vacation pool scene may not have been filmed in an actual swimming pool, its impact on pop culture is very real indeed. It’s one of many memorable moments that have helped make the movie a holiday classic that fans continue to enjoy year after year.
In conclusion, while the pool scene in Christmas Vacation may not have been filmed in a real pool, it still remains an important part of the film’s legacy. Its use of movie magic and special effects only adds to its charm and enduring appeal.