What Is the Noise in Christmas Vacation?

By Michael Ferguson

It’s that time of the year again – the holiday season is upon us, and one of the most beloved holiday movies of all time is none other than Christmas Vacation. Released in 1989, this classic comedy film stars Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, a man determined to have the perfect family Christmas, but things don’t go according to plan.

One of the most memorable aspects of this movie is its use of sound effects and music. But what exactly is the noise in Christmas Vacation? Let’s explore.

The Soundtrack

One of the first things you might notice while watching Christmas Vacation is its catchy and festive soundtrack. The film’s score was composed by Angelo Badalamenti, who also composed music for films such as Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive. The soundtrack features a mix of classic holiday tunes like “Deck the Halls” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” as well as original songs like “Christmas Vacation” performed by Mavis Staples.

The Squeaky Staircase

But there’s one particular noise that stands out in Christmas Vacation – the sound of a squeaky staircase. Every time someone walks up or down the stairs in Clark’s house, you can hear that unmistakable creaking sound. This may seem like an insignificant detail, but it actually serves a purpose in the film.

Symbolism

The squeaky staircase symbolizes Clark’s struggle to maintain control over his family and his expectations for a perfect holiday season. As his plans start to unravel and chaos ensues, we hear more and more squeaking from the stairs. It’s almost as if they’re mocking him for his failed attempts at keeping everything under control.

The Chainsaw

Another iconic noise in Christmas Vacation is that of a chainsaw. In one scene, Clark decides to cut down his own Christmas tree with a chainsaw, and chaos ensues. The sound of the chainsaw is used to amp up the humor and chaos of the scene, as Clark struggles to control the massive tree and ends up causing all sorts of damage.

The Dog Barking

Finally, we can’t forget about Snots, Clark’s lovable but mischievous dog. Throughout the film, we hear Snots barking at various moments – from when he’s chasing after squirrels to when he’s chewing on electrical cords. The sound of his barking adds to the chaotic and humorous atmosphere of the film.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the noise in Christmas Vacation is an integral part of what makes this film so memorable and beloved by audiences around the world. From the squeaky staircase to the chainsaw and Snots’ barking, each sound effect serves a purpose in adding to the humor and chaos of this classic holiday movie. So if you’re looking for a good laugh this holiday season, be sure to give Christmas Vacation a watch – just don’t forget your earplugs!