Families and friends globally commonly enjoy re-watching favorite holiday films as end of year tradition. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation from 1989 starring Chevy Chase stands out as a holiday staple though originally the movie should have been directed by Harry Potter director Chris Columbus . Now after 35 years Chris Columbus discusses how he walked away due to unpredictable behavior by Chevy Chase as he was originally meant to direct the classic movie.
Early Production Issues Arise with Chevy Chase's Bizarre Behavior During First Meetings With Columbus
Chris Columbus stated that after a connection with John Hughes who wrote National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation he became confirmed as director to start shooting in New York when he had issues working with Chevy Chase . Even though Columbus urgently wanted work he realized he had trouble collaborating with Chevy Chase citing Chase’s behavior. During the initial meetings Chevy Chase said very bizarre things after listening to Chris Columbus talk about his vision of the film and stating he thought Columbus was a drummer which is completely surreal. Chevy Chase then stopped talking about the movie saying he had to go just after a brief 30 seconds of engaging showing unpredictable personality clashes early on.
Further Difficulties on Set with Chevy Chase Treating Director Columbus As if “Nonexistent”
Columbus revealed during a second meeting after Chase knew about his directorial role in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation that issues only intensified. Chris Columbus observed Chevy Chase acting as if Columbus was virtually "nonexistent" plus treated Columbus with immense disrespect. Director Columbus ultimately chose not work together quitting film since he did not want that kind of treatment. This conflict highlights Chevy Chase’s difficult personality which caused many problems within Hollywood productions at the time. Chris Columbus and the production team were actively filming the movie when his issues with Chase made him leave the project and the filming process abruptly.
Community Cast Echo Columbus's Experience Highlighting Chevy Chase's Negative Reputation
This was not the only time where Chevy Chase’s behavior was brought into public scrutiny. Community cast and its creator Dan Harmon often commented publicly how Chase dealt with everyone on the set. Chevy Chase claimed his character on the NBC television series was "not funny" showing his disinterest. The ongoing nature of this behavior is consistent with Chris Columbus statement in Vanity Fair despite that no response was given by Chevy Chase when approached regarding those statements demonstrating difficult professional attitude.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Still Beloved But Story Demonstrates Highlighting Production Challenges
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation highlights Clark Griswold’s holiday preparations and misadventures played by Chevy Chase plus Beverly D'Angelo and Randy Quaid . The family-oriented Christmas film which was eventually directed by Jeremiah S Chechik provides hilarious misadventures for family viewing and becomes iconic in culture. The movie showcases struggles including unwanted guests plus work related stresses impacting Clark Griswold played by Chevy Chase, but the behind the scenes issues between director and lead actor also demonstrated significant struggle that director had when making his first version of the project . Many holiday viewers find this comedy a tradition to enjoy yearly during the holiday season.
Director Chris Columbus Decides To Leave National Lampoon Project But Starts Directing Home Alone and Beyond
Following his departure from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Chris Columbus directed other film projects such as 1990's Home Alone also a popular holiday film demonstrating continued success without needing Chevy Chase. Columbus explained Chevy Chase behavior including thinking Chris Columbus was a drummer was absurd also leading him to decide not to work alongside with him despite all other incentives. Chris Columbus later found greater opportunity through collaboration with John Hughes whose “Home Alone” project seemed more personal where he had more control over the narrative direction plus more creative freedom, in tandem with being free from interaction with Chevy Chase in a working environment .
Chris Columbus' Career: Directing Beloved Family Films plus Working with Next Generation Directors
Chris Columbus known for 1984’s Gremlins 1985’s The Goonies and other movies including 1993’s Mrs. Doubtfire plus two first Harry Potter films . Chris Columbus recently produced Nosferatu demonstrating continued production contributions working with Eleanor Columbus at Maiden Voyage Productions a resource that supports younger talent. He also mentions his own experience going from a small Ohio family to eventually working for Steven Spielberg demonstrating the depth of work throughout his career from a young filmmaker. The director often looks back at the different phases in his life that were all necessary to make a great impact in the movie business over all the years.
Impact of Chevy Chase on Christmas Vacation Compared To How it is Still Viewed As Iconic
Chris Columbus stated Chevy Chase had requested a meet up that also involved National Lampoon writer John Hughes and that meeting caused additional stress for the director. During that meeting Chevy Chase and John Hughes primarily spoke on everything other than "Christmas Vacation" leading Columbus to decide to exit the production showing how erratic some celebrity actors can be with their creative teams . Columbus did not understand Chase's actions during their meetings even stating Chevy Chase might have thought what he was doing was still funny from the seventies which felt odd and removed from modern day work habits showing generational differences in creative process . Columbus also considered that lack of listening by Chase might cause continued issues on set when filming also prompting his final departure.
National Lampoon’s Film Legacy Including Early Collaborations by Key Actors and Crew
Chevy Chase starred as Clark Griswold alongside Beverly D'Angelo playing Ellen Griswold which highlighted another memorable casting performance. National Lampoon movies are often popular during holidays starting with a drive to Walley World in National Lampoon’s Vacation starring Christie Brinkley in the role of ‘Girl in the Ferrari” also featuring Randy Quaid. National Lampoon’s films have a legacy starting with National Lampoon's Vacation from 1983 by Harold Ramis written by John Hughes followed by National Lampoon’s European Vacation and concluded in Chicago with National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation as the third film all being classic family comedy movies . Those classic comedy series often feature a series of cast and crew changes for better creative collaboration. The ongoing legacy of these films shows their popular reach.
Chris Columbus chose to pursue alternate creative ventures rather than continue with Chevy Chase showcasing his focus on quality over compromises. He stated Home Alone was a more ideal fit allowing him to pursue his own creative visions without issues that were seen on National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation film and allowed creative liberty without conflict and chaos . Chris Columbus’s interview is available on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast and provides a more intimate look at the overall life story of the director from initial humble beginnings.