A bizarre encounter with actorChevy Chaseled then-unknown filmmakerChris Columbusto walk offNational Lampoons Christmas Vacation.
After the box-office and critical failure,The Breakfast Clubdirector sent him the script forChristmas Vacation.
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I was signed on … andthenI met Chevy Chase.
Chris Columbus / Chevy ChaseGetty Images
I was one of the many who couldnt work with him.
Hehadto know I was directing the movie, Columbus explained.
I talked about how I saw the movie, how I wanted to make the movie.
He didnt say anything.
I went through about a half hour of talking.
He didnt say aword.
I probably have never told this story.
Forty minutes into the meeting, he says, Wait a second.
And I said, Yeah … Im directing the film.
And he said to me the most surreal, bizarre thing.
I still havent been able to make any sense out of it.
He said, Oh, I thought you were a drummer.
I said, Uhh, OK.
Lets start talking about the film again.
After about 30 seconds, he said, I got to go.
During the second meeting, where Hughes was also present, theMrs.
Doubtfiredirector said he was basically nonexistent and that Hughes and Chase discussed everything but the movie.
Thats when the decision was solidified: First of all, hes not engaged.
Hes treating me like sh.
I dont need this.
Id rather not work again.
Id rather write, he said.
I thought, This was how were going to work together?
Im going to be on set and hes not listening.
(VFsaid Chase did not respond to a request for comment.)
