It's festive blog time. I've not done a festive post since starting this blog a few years ago now and thought there's no better way to christen this occasion than writing it on my favourite Christmas film. By the title, you can see that is in fact 'Elf.' I did contemplate writing my blog about 'Home Alone 2' and why I feel it is better than the first 'Home Alone' film (because I feel passionately that it is) but instead I want to keep it simple and sit down to write a few words on a film that continues to make me howl with laughter year after year. Apologies for the delay, I did get quite busy recently but I still feel Boxing Day is an appropriate day to post as the Christmas buzz is still in the air.
It's festive so I'm not looking to delve into the technicalities of the filmmaking like the use of lighting and camera angles etc; you can find those in my other articles. It's Christmas and so, this is a simple and easy read.
Something I like about the concept of a ‘Christmas film,’ or ‘Halloween film’ (not a horror film because the two are very different), is that you really only watch them during a set season and period of time. It’s hard to grow tired of a film you only ever watch once a year and even if you do, by the time you get over it, the next year rolls around and you’re back at square one. Now, there are definitely some Christmas films that have run their course with regards to the number of times I’ve watched them and therefore are films I am now left somewhat bored by, yet who’s to say how I’ll feel in 3 years time when Christmas rolls around once again.
There are so many of them too. Whether you’re an action fan and your festive film of choice is 'Die Hard' or a hopeless romantic who attempts to live their life vicariously through the events of 'The Holiday,' there really are Christmas films for everyone to enjoy and nothing beats a good Christmas film really. The act of sitting down with friends or family at Christmas to watch a story solely crafted to bring an audience joy at such a light-hearted time will always be special.
Whilst I do understand that Christmas is not always the happiest of times for many, the core value of the holiday in general (aside from of course the religious aspects), is the emphasis on how we can use the festive period to show the ones we love how much they mean to us and how much we value those relationships. The same goes for the basic lessons taught in each Christmas film and can be evidently seen across all avenues of the festive genre.
'Elf' really is a top-tier film. Aside from my childhood attachment to the film, it forever remains such an enjoyable watch. For those who haven’t seen, which I imagine is a very small percentage of you reading, the film follows the story of a grown-up elf named Buddy (played by Will Ferrell), who one day discovers he was not born an elf and is in fact human. This identity crisis of sorts leads Buddy to embark upon a journey to find his only known direct relative (portrayed by James Caan) his father, in New York in an attempt to begin a new life with him. Another fabulous project directed by Favreau, after his directorial debut with 'Made,' and written by David Berenbaum, the film is non-stop humour and fun. It is no surprise that like that of the film 'Big' which shares a few comparisons, there is nothing funnier than seeing a grown adult acting like a child in environments and situations where they should be ‘behaving.’
Something which stands 'Elf' out from the rest of the usual Christmas films is how the wonderful world of Buddy's home in the North Pole is portrayed through the use of puppets to present the friendly animals that he encounters. Evidently drawing inspiration and paying homage to the 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' TV Christmas special from 1964, it's a unique quality to the film that adds that extra level of Christmas magic. Even the costumes of the elves within the film reference those in the special as can be seen in the picture attached below. This intimate joyful environment of the North Pole and the use of friendy little puppets create a significant contrast to the vast whilst still magical world of New York at Christmas time when Buddy leaves his home behind to make peace with his past. The chaos Buddy unleashes on the city through his father's workplace towards the end of the film and the job he seemingly finds himself disrupting in a Department store all work together to help Buddy leave his mark on the intimidating city environment he's determined to make the most of.
Rudolph the Reindeer - 1964 Videocraft International
For those who haven’t seen, the central conflict of the film lies in his father's inability to accept him as his own and what we see as the film progresses in the run-up to Christmas, is the importance of family and displaying to the ones who mean the most to you how much you really care about them. It’s so perfect and as mentioned before, is what makes the festive period so special. Some personal highlights of the film have to be when Buddy first arrives in New York, as he takes it all in and completely abandons the ‘social rules’ we seem to follow as a collective society like running through revolving doors or hopping over the lines of a zebra crossing. It’s everything I’m sure we’ve all thought about doing, but of course, instead of embarrassing ourselves we choose not to do. I love it. I have attached a few of my favourite moments from the film below to watch and enjoy, as I really can’t choose one.
Known initially for his performances in films such as Zoolander, and subsequently Saturday Night Live there's no denying the role of Buddy really was made for Will Ferrell. Another highlight of the film is during the interaction between the 'fake santa' and Buddy which was actually improvised, aside from the fight scene which could only afford one take due to the intricate and time consuming set up of the shot. Even the ending of the film is just magical with those acting above Christmas and 'growing up' from the childish fascination of it all, collectively beginning to re-ignite that childlike wonder they once held for the holiday as they sing carols in the park. It really is a lovely thing to see.
Whilst overall joyous, there is of course sadness in the tale of Buddy the elf being initially given up for adoption and his father’s refusal to be involved with his life, but that’s what any film needs. Apologies for spoiling that for any who hasn't seen, but it is revealed within the first 20 minutes of the film so please forgive me. As an audience, we need to be taken on an emotional journey, it engages us and furthermore teaches us lessons about our own situations and conflicts we encounter so this element is curcial. Favreau even makes time for romance too, whilst initially unrequited; it adds another level of Buddy’s character development as he learns how to navigate another crucial aspect of his life and his late development to independence. Zooey Deschanel plays the reluctant love interest to Buddy and the progression of their relationship really is sweet to see as she ultimately falls for Buddy's optimistic outlook on all of life's challenges. Yet again for those who haven’t seen it, I won’t mention how it ends but one can draw very strong conclusions based on the nature of the film overall.
I also cannot forget to mention how comforting Mary Steenburgen is to watch in this film as she acts as the grounding voice of reason for Caan in all is denial to accept Buddy as his own as well as the person providing support for Buddy if he ever needs it.
From the intimidating men in the mailroom to the relationship Buddy builds with his newfound brother Michael and even the little girl Buddy meets in the doctor's office, he spreads his Christmas joy and reminds us to look at the brighter side of life when things don't seem so great and really what's the harm in that?
I have linked below some articles used to supply this blog with more fun trivial facts as well as the Netflix episode of 'The movies that made us' centered on the production of 'Elf' for those interested to read and watch more. Even if you ran out of time to watch the film this festive season before Christmas, I always say anytime between Christmas and New Years is still completely acceptable. Pair that with comfy pj's and a cup of something hot and you have yourself the ultimate cosy night in.
Director: Jon Favreau
Writer: David Berenbaum
Certificate: PG
Genre: Festive, Comedy
Videos, articles, and fun links:
Deleted scene from the film:
Favourite moments:
Snippet from 'The Movies That Made Us'
Trivia
Several minor traffic accidents occurred when Will Ferrell walked through the Lincoln Tunnel in his costume, because people were so surprised (and distracted from their driving) to see him wearing an elf outfit.
The cotton balls Buddy eats while in the doctor's office were actually cotton candy that had not been dyed.
When Buddy goes to work with Walter, the ties they each have on are the same pattern but different colours.
The elf Ming Ming, who appears briefly in the beginning of the film, is played by Peter Billingsley, who starred as Ralphie Parker in the classic holiday film 'A Christmas Story' (1983).
Will Ferrell's brother Patrick played a security guard at the Empire State Building.
Sources: