Peter Billingsley the actor from A Christmas Story and other holiday movies has his personal opinions about Die Hard being a Christmas film which he actively debated with cinematographer Jan de Bont . In a 2023 episode on A Cinematic Christmas Journey podcast Billingsley talked with his co-host Steve Byrne and Jan de Bont about the classification of Die Hard as a Christmas film. Die Hard which is a 1988 film has created numerous fan theories and arguments based on its inclusion during the winter holidays .
Peter Billingsley Tries to Change Cinematographer's Mind On 'Die Hard' Being Christmas Movie
Peter Billingsley told People Magazine he knew cinematographer Jan de Bont's work included directing both Twister and Speed also noticing he did not believe Die Hard a Christmas movie. Jan De Bont during multiple conversations expressed disagreement of the movie as belonging in the winter holiday cannon so Billingsley asked permission to convince De Bont why it should be counted in Christmas list of films despite Jan de Bont personally working in production on the project . Billingsley shared these interesting opinions and insights with De Bont knowing he worked on this classic film since it premiered in the year 1988 further showing his dedication to the project.
Billingsley Uses Plot and Themes to Classify Die Hard as a Christmas Classic
Though released during summer of 1988 Die Hard features the main story of Bruce Willis playing New York City police detective John McClane which occurs during a Christmas Eve terrorist takeover of a Los Angeles skyscraper and it is a core element of this films plot. Billingsley noted the relationship between McClane and his wife are damaged with the story arch including eventual forgiveness which in his mind solidifies it as a great holiday film for families. Christmas movies often showcase forgiveness and family being a vital element in the movie plot so this was very significant to include in his argument to De Bont . Billingsley also used evidence of Christmas music alongside a scene with snowfall within the movie to show additional thematic relevance for classification as a Holiday movie in a valid format with valid reasoning .
'Die Hard' Director McTiernan Supports Film's Holiday Status but Bruce Willis Disagrees Strongly
John McTiernan the director of Die Hard agreed with fans about the holiday film aspect saying at the American Film Institute in 2020 the joy it produced changed its perspective and its viewers into calling it Christmas film. During Comedy Central’s 2018 Roast of Bruce Willis actor Bruce Willis made a clear statement claiming ‘Die Hard’ was ‘not a Christmas movie’ instead identifying the film as a Bruce Willis film definitively . Willis made his point very clear in what he called ‘one reason’ and ‘one reason only’ after 30 years of fan arguments and critical speculation. The Roast of Bruce Willis on Comedy Central was a moment that allowed for some humor and to put to rest his feelings towards Die Hard ’s classification.
Billingsley Successfully Persuades Jan de Bont 'Die Hard' Is Indeed a Christmas Film Classic
Despite the strong opinion made by Bruce Willis in 2018 Peter Billingsley actually successfully swayed the opinion of cinematographer Jan de Bont to finally classify Die Hard as a classic holiday film according to what was told to People Magazine. Billingsley went over the entire ‘criterion’ or set of specific rules of what he identifies a holiday film with which made de Bont respond by saying he never thought of the movie in such a way but was finally convinced that it is now classified in his mind as a valid holiday production . Billingsley was proud to change the filmmaker's mind which solidified his original idea in a positive manner through clear and detailed articulation of concepts in his analysis.
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