Movie Monday: Home Alone (1990)
Since we have officially entered the month of December, I felt it was time to begin our film celebration for the holidays. What better way to kick it all off than with one of the all time best holiday films Home Alone!
These photos are not mine.
This movie remains one of my favorite films to watch this time of year because the soundtrack is so on point! Every song is such a classic, and I get excited when I hear them on the radio because it reminds me of Home Alone. Chris Columbus had a talent for finding the right music for all of his holiday movies. This reminds me once again how important the soundtrack for a film is and how it creates a feeling that is intertwined with the plot. The art of music matching movies has been somewhat lost, but can still be greatly appreciated in silent films.
That is not the only reason I love this movie, though! It was filmed and is based in Chicago! The house they filmed Home Alone at is located in Winnetka, Illinois, while the scenes at the church were filmed in Oak Park, Illinois. This Midwestern addition to the movie is one more reason to love Home Alone and watch it every year!
These photos are not mine.
The journey for Home Alone‘s production was a long and varied road. Originally it was a Warner Bros. production, but it switched hands to 20th Century Fox and the budget grew with this change. John Hughes gave Chris Columbus the script for Home Alone, and was a leader in the idea that Macaulay Culkin should be cast to play Kevin. Hughes was impressed with the young actor’s work when filming Uncle Buck.
The sometimes outrageous and slapstick style comedy that can be found here in Home Alone is very reminiscent of the comedy style that movies of the silver screen era used. One classic film element that can especially be found in this holiday movie is the focus on the reactions in every scene. As you can see, they even focused on reactions on the movie poster. This too comes from the silent film era and can also play a large role in how the music is chosen.
These photos are not mine.
One last feature in this movie that is so iconic and I absolutely love (because you guys know I love classic movies) is the classic styled film that Kevin keeps watching. It is called Angles with Filthy Souls, and it makes me smile every time they show a clip! The fact classic film was made specially for Home Alone and is a parody of the real life movie Angles with Dirty Faces. The filming for this fake classic movie only took one day. I feel like Columbus including this in Home Alone is like a final tip of the hat to all of the old Hollywood film styles he used.
The notoriety and accolades Home Alone has received over the years is astounding for a holiday film. It has efficiently earned a spot in popular culture and has become of the highest grossing films of all time. Besides all of that, Home Alone has carved out a special role in many people’s (including mine) holiday season.
Much Love,
Sarah
