Thirty-four years ago, Home Alone 1 and 2 dominated the market as the most successful Christmas franchise.
The films feature an 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin). In the first movie, Kevin awakens to an empty house. In the second, he lands in a completely different city. In both, he had all the freedom in the world.
In the first, two robbers, played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern, plan to rob the McCalisster residence. Alone, Kevin took on the responsibility of protecting the family home. In the sequel, Kevin crosses paths with the same robbers who are yet again up to thieving mischief.
The core concept is timeless. It feeds on the primal fear and fascination with the idea of a vulnerable kid facing danger. The relatable family dynamics, clever traps and Culkin’s iconic performance brings it to life.
Home Alone Production
Director Chris Colombus said, “ I don’t want someone to turn [Home Alone] on 25 years from now and it feels dated. I want it to feel as if it were made yesterday.”
Colombus also happens to be the director of the first two Harry Potter films.
Julio Macat, the iconic cinematographer for Home Alone, used a variety of techniques to create this warmth. Together, Macat and Colombus drew inspiration from movies such as It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street and A Christmas Story.
Additionally, color was also a big factor in making the movie feel majestic and elevating. In fact, almost every scene includes Christmas colors–some shade of red and green. Though, when the family goes to Paris a lot more blues were incorporated. Still, however, the boy dressed in reds, greens and golds.
“When you start controlling color, you start doing things in a certain way – when a weird color comes into the mix, it stands out,” said Macat.
This rings true with both home alone movies.
John Hughes, American filmmaker, producer and screenwriter, wrote Home Alone after an anxious thought he had during a family trip to Europe in 1989. While on the trip, Hughes wondered what would happen if one of the kids was accidentally left behind. Two weeks after returning home, Hughes wrote the script in nine days.
“I was going away on vacation and making a list of everything I didn’t want to forget,” Hughes said in 1990.
The Timelessness Of The Classic
Even 34 years later, these movies continue to be a beloved holiday tradition. Still, they bring families together to laugh, feel nostalgic and embrace the spirit of Christmas.
Like the timeless classics which inspired them, Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York emphasizes the importance of home, love and the warmth of the holiday season. They are a testament to the power of storytelling.
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