Introduction
The Vacation movie franchise has been a beloved staple in the comedy genre since its inception in 1983. The original film, National Lampoon’s Vacation, quickly became a cult classic and spawned several sequels, including European Vacation (1985), Christmas Vacation (1989), Vegas Vacation (1997), and most recently, Vacation (2015). This article will explore the history of the Vacation series, taking a retrospective look at when the original Vacation was released and examining the cultural impact of its timing.
Exploring the History of the Vacation Movie Franchise
The Vacation series originated from a short story written by John Hughes for National Lampoon magazine in 1979. The story was adapted into a screenplay and was eventually picked up by Warner Bros., which released National Lampoon’s Vacation in 1983. Directed by Harold Ramis and starring Chevy Chase as the lead character Clark Griswold, the film follows the Griswold family on their misadventures while on a cross-country road trip to Walley World. The film was a hit with both critics and audiences alike and grossed over $60 million at the box office.
The success of the first installment led to four subsequent installments in the franchise. European Vacation (1985) saw the Griswolds take a vacation to Europe, where they encountered all sorts of wacky hijinks. Christmas Vacation (1989) featured the Griswolds celebrating the holiday season, with plenty of festive chaos thrown in. Vegas Vacation (1997) took the family to Las Vegas, and the most recent installment, Vacation (2015), followed the next generation of Griswolds as they attempted to recreate the original family vacation.
A Retrospective Look at When Vacation Was Released
National Lampoon’s Vacation was released on July 29, 1983. At the time, the film was considered to be a summer movie, as most major motion pictures were released during the summer months. In addition, the film was released during a period of increased interest in the comedy genre, with films such as Caddyshack (1980) and Stripes (1981) becoming popular with audiences. As a result, the timing of Vacation’s release was seen as ideal for maximum exposure.
When looking back at the release date of Vacation, it is important to note that the film was released just one week after the release of another popular comedy, Risky Business (1983). This was significant because Risky Business was the breakout role for actor Tom Cruise, who subsequently went on to become one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. The fact that Vacation was released so close to Risky Business likely helped to draw more attention to the film, thus increasing its box office success.
Examining the Cultural Impact of Vacation’s Release Date
The release date of Vacation had a significant impact on pop culture. The film was released at a time when the comedy genre was beginning to gain popularity, and it helped to usher in a new era of comedy films. Furthermore, Vacation was one of the earliest examples of a “road trip” movie, which subsequently became a popular subgenre of comedies. Its influence can be seen in subsequent films such as Thelma & Louise (1991), Dumb and Dumber (1994), and Little Miss Sunshine (2006).
In addition, Vacation helped to define the comedic style of its star, Chevy Chase. Chase had previously starred in the television series Saturday Night Live and the film Caddyshack, but it was his performance in Vacation that cemented him as a comedic icon. His unique brand of physical comedy and deadpan delivery became a trademark of the Vacation franchise, and he would go on to star in several other successful comedies throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
The Making of Vacation: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
The making of Vacation was a collaborative effort between a number of talented individuals. Director Harold Ramis was responsible for creating the tone and atmosphere of the film, while screenwriter John Hughes crafted the witty dialogue and clever plot. Chevy Chase was cast in the lead role of Clark Griswold, and he was joined by an ensemble cast of actors including Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid, Anthony Michael Hall, and Dana Barron.
The production process for Vacation was relatively straightforward. Filming began in March 1983 and wrapped up in June. The majority of the filming took place in California, although some scenes were shot in Arizona, Colorado, and Illinois. The crew also traveled to Canada to shoot some of the exterior shots of Walley World. All in all, the production of Vacation was completed in just three months.
Analyzing the Reception of Vacation Upon Its Release
Upon its release, Vacation was met with mostly positive reviews from both critics and audiences. Many praised the film for its clever writing and sharp wit, while others enjoyed the performances of the cast. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 77% approval rating based on 52 reviews. It was also a commercial success, grossing over $60 million at the box office.
In addition to its critical and commercial success, Vacation was recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences with an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. The song, “Holiday Road,” was composed by Lindsey Buckingham and performed by the band Fleetwood Mac. Although it did not win the award, the nomination was a testament to the enduring popularity of the film.
How Vacation Changed the Comedy Genre
Vacation was a groundbreaking comedy for its time. Not only did it introduce a new style of humor, but it also innovated the way stories were told in comedies. For example, Vacation was one of the first comedies to feature a protagonist who was a flawed everyman—in this case, Clark Griswold—as opposed to the traditional hero archetype. This allowed the audience to relate to the characters and their experiences in a way that had not been seen before in the genre.
In addition, Vacation was one of the first comedies to employ a non-linear narrative structure. The film jumps back and forth in time, allowing the audience to gain insight into the characters and their motivations. This technique was revolutionary for its time and has since become a staple of the comedy genre.
Revisiting the Legacy of Vacation Since Its Release
Since its release, Vacation has become an enduring classic in the comedy genre. The film continues to be a fan favorite, with new generations of viewers discovering it each year. Its influence can still be seen in modern comedies, as many filmmakers have drawn inspiration from its clever writing and innovative storytelling techniques.
In addition, Vacation has become a beloved part of the holiday season for many families. The film has become a staple of holiday viewing, and it continues to be a popular choice for those looking for a good laugh. The film has also spawned a number of merchandise items, including t-shirts, mugs, and other memorabilia.
Conclusion
National Lampoon’s Vacation is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time since its release in 1983. From its clever writing and innovative storytelling techniques to its memorable characters and iconic soundtrack, Vacation has left an indelible mark on the comedy genre. Its release date was carefully chosen to maximize its exposure, and the film’s success has resulted in a lasting legacy that continues to this day.
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