If you’re a fan of the classic holiday film Christmas Vacation, you may have wondered whether the infamous rant by Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, was scripted or improvised. The answer is not so straightforward. Let’s take a closer look at the scene and its origins.
Background
Christmas Vacation was released in 1989 and is the third installment in the National Lampoon’s Vacation film series. In this movie, Clark Griswold attempts to create a perfect Christmas for his family but is constantly thwarted by various mishaps and misfortunes.
The rant in question occurs towards the end of the movie when Clark finally snaps after experiencing one setback too many. He unleashes a tirade of frustration and anger, which includes several expletives and insults towards his relatives.
The Script
According to screenwriter John Hughes, who wrote Christmas Vacation, the rant was always part of the script. In fact, he had written it specifically for Chevy Chase to deliver.
However, when it came time to film the scene, director Jeremiah S. Chechik encouraged Chase to improvise and add his own personal touch. This led to some variations in how the lines were delivered and even some ad-libs that made it into the final cut.
Chevy Chase’s Input
Chevy Chase has stated in interviews that he did indeed improvise some parts of the rant but also stuck closely to what was written in the script. He felt that adding his own spin on it made it more authentic and believable as a frustrated outburst from Clark Griswold.
Chase also credits Chechik with creating an atmosphere on set that allowed him to feel comfortable enough to improvise. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he said: “Jerry Chechik was great because he let me do anything I wanted.”
The Result
Regardless of whether the rant was fully scripted or partially improvised, it has become one of the most memorable scenes in the movie and a fan favorite. Chevy Chase’s delivery, combined with the over-the-top nature of the rant, has made it an iconic moment in holiday movie history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there may have been some improvisation involved, the rant in Christmas Vacation was largely scripted and written by John Hughes. However, Chevy Chase’s input and delivery added a personal touch that made it even more memorable. Whatever its origins may be, there’s no denying that the rant is an integral part of what makes Christmas Vacation such a beloved classic.