If you’re a fan of the classic holiday film, “Christmas Vacation,” you may have noticed a peculiar decoration in the front yard of the Griswold family home – a windmill. But what is the significance of this “windmill thing” in the movie?
The Windmill’s Role in the Movie
In “Christmas Vacation,” the windmill serves as a running joke throughout the film. Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, is shown repeatedly attempting to get it to work, only to be met with failure every time. Despite his best efforts, the windmill never spins as intended and eventually becomes a symbol of his frustration and disappointment.
The Symbolism Behind the Windmill
While the windmill may appear to be nothing more than a comedic prop, it actually holds deeper meaning within the context of “Christmas Vacation.” The windmill can be interpreted as a metaphor for Clark’s attempts to create a perfect Christmas for his family.
Just like trying to get the windmill to spin, Clark’s efforts at creating a flawless holiday are constantly met with obstacles and setbacks. Whether it’s dealing with difficult relatives or unexpected disasters, Clark’s plans always seem to fall short.
- Clark’s Quest for Perfection
- Obstacles Along The Way
- The Windmill as Metaphor For Clark’s Struggle
The Real-Life Inspiration Behind The Windmill
The windmill featured in “Christmas Vacation” was not just a random decoration chosen by filmmakers. In fact, it was inspired by a real-life decoration that sat in writer John Hughes’ front yard during his childhood.
Hughes grew up in Michigan and remembered seeing a similar windmill decoration outside of his neighbor’s house during Christmas time. When writing “Christmas Vacation,” he decided to incorporate the windmill as a nod to his own childhood memories.
The Legacy of the Windmill
Despite its small role in the movie, the windmill has become an iconic symbol of “Christmas Vacation.” Fans of the film often associate the decoration with Clark’s quest for perfection and the holiday chaos that ensues.
In fact, many fans have even started incorporating windmills into their own holiday decorations as a nod to the film. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just appreciate a good running joke, it’s clear that the windmill has left a lasting impact on pop culture.
Conclusion
So there you have it – the story behind the infamous “windmill thing” in “Christmas Vacation.” While it may seem like nothing more than a silly decoration at first glance, it actually holds deeper meaning within the context of the film. So next time you watch “Christmas Vacation,” keep an eye out for that little white windmill spinning in Clark Griswold’s front yard.