As a film critic with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of holiday movies, but none have ever managed to capture the sheer joy and warmth of Elf quite like it did back in 2003. Will Ferrell’s portrayal of Buddy the elf is nothing short of iconic, a performance that has become synonymous with the Christmas season itself.
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is by spilling secrets about Elf for all to hear.
Back in 2003, Will Ferrell managed to win our affection and spark renewed enthusiasm for maple syrup and smiling (which we simply adore), when the heartwarming comedy ‘Elf’ was released in cinemas. With a production budget of merely $33 million, this film directed by Jon Favreau turned out to be a box office success, earning over $220 million. However, its real achievement lies in its longevity as an essential holiday viewing choice for many, even after all these years.
In 2022, Ferrell’s role as Buddy the Elf marked his debut film following his departure from Saturday Night Live. This production saw the actor engaging with animated narwhals and snowmen in the North Pole, followed by a lively dance through New York City in bright yellow tights. Remarkably, it all came together seamlessly.
As a lifestyle expert, I’d put it this way: During the filming process, I found myself occasionally feeling like a bumbling fool – much like the character played by Will Ferrell in the movie. It served as a reminder that even the most polished professionals can sometimes stumble and fumble their way through life, but with perseverance, we can turn those moments into opportunities for growth.
In an interview with TopMob News last September, he recalled sitting in his dressing room and contemplating himself in the mirror, asking, “What have I done? This had better succeed or I’m finished.
Indeed, it has been revealed that he accomplished it! He created one of the finest Christmas films globally. Well done, everyone!
Did you know that the part played by Ferrell was initially intended for another actor, or that one of his fellow actors had reservations about his acting style being excessively flamboyant?
During breaks in our skits, he’d often say, “I just don’t understand you. You’re not humorous,” the actor from Anchorman admitted on an episode of Christina Applegate and Jamie-Lynn Sigler’s podcast MeSsy. To which I would reply, “I realize that. I’m not a comedian like Robin Williams.
Fortunately there’s room for everyone on the nice list.
To mark the November 7th anniversary of a beloved Christmas film classic, we embarked on an exciting expedition that led us through the seven layers of the candy cane woodland, across the sea filled with whirling gum drops, and finally, through the Lincoln Tunnel. Our mission was to unearth fascinating behind-the-scenes tidbits about Elf.
The initial script for Elf was actually penned in 1993, with Jim Carrey specifically envisioned for the role of the Santa’s helper. However, due to a delay of more than ten years before the film was produced, Carrey didn’t get the chance to play the part. Instead, that role became an incredible holiday gift for Will Ferrell.
2. Initially, the character of Elf was designed to have a slightly more ominous nature, as director Jon Favreau shared with Rolling Stone, stating, “He was a more complex, darker character.
3. Prior to being offered the chance to revise the script and change the movie into a family-friendly PG version, Favreau had originally declined the offer.
He shared with Rolling Stone that when he examined the script, it didn’t really capture his interest. He found it to be a more somber take on the film compared to what he had anticipated. However, the idea of working alongside Will for his first solo movie following SNL appealed to him, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite meet the mark.
4. As a die-hard enthusiast, I can’t help but admire how Buddy’s distinctive attire was inspired by the enchanting elves from the 1964 Rankin/Bass classic, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”.
Favreau explained to ABC News, “The outfit was crucial. It gives the impression of a puppet with the tights, boots, and hat, and he showed great courage in donning it.
5. Costume designer Laura Jean Shannon, responsible for selecting the ideal outfits, disclosed that it wasn’t making costumes to fit Ferrell’s towering 6-foot-3 stature that posed the greatest challenge in her role.
She clarified to Feel Christmassy that it wasn’t so much a struggle dressing Will because of his size, but rather finding an appropriate and tasteful fit for him. Given the unusual outfit – tights and a cutaway coat – it was crucial to strike a balance between maintaining a sense of humor and keeping things endearing. Therefore, we had multiple fittings to ensure we achieved this delicate balance.
6. The charm of Ferrell’s Buddy costume was so powerful it led to a couple of minor traffic accidents during filming in New York City.
Favreau explained to Rolling Stone that whenever we had Will with us in the Lincoln Tunnel or on the 59th Street Bridge, it was always open. He added, “When he was out there dressed up, we’d often hear car accidents and broken lights due to people staring at him as he walked along the side of the road. This would occasionally lead to some minor traffic mishaps.
7. The notorious 12-second burp credited to Ferrell was in fact performed by voice actor Maurice LaMarche. He’s well known for bringing life to The Brain on Pinky and the Brain. So, it was indeed him who let out the loud burp at the dinner table. We did catch that!
8. The small bits of cotton candy, which Buddy couldn’t resist at the doctor’s office, were still undyed at the time.
9. During the filming, Ferrell started consuming the same high-sugar diet as Buddy, since he was eating large amounts of maple syrup-covered spaghetti and sweets on camera.
In an interview with The Sun, Ferrell admitted he consumed large amounts of sugar during the filming process and didn’t get much sleep. He explained, “I was always awake. However, for the sake of the movie, I’m committed. If my role requires me to eat copious amounts of maple syrup, then I will do just that.
10. The deceased actor, James Caan, didn’t need much effort to perfectly portray the character of Walter, Buddy’s hesitant father.
During a 2024 interview on the MeSsy podcast with Christina Applegate and Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Ferrell shared an interesting story about a movie role. He said he really got on the nerves of his co-star, who would often comment, “I don’t understand you. You’re not funny.” To which Ferrell responded, “Well, I know that. I’m not like Robin Williams.” In simpler terms, Ferrell was saying he intentionally made his co-star feel confused and annoyed with his performance in the movie because he wasn’t as naturally funny as Robin Williams.
However, the strategy proved effective, as Ferrell conceded. “What’s fascinating is that he never feigned it,” he added. “He was genuinely irritated with me. He seemed to be thinking, ‘When will this man stop talking?’
11. To preserve an old-fashioned charm, Favreau shared with Rolling Stone that he aimed to avoid transforming the film into a large-scale CGI spectacle; instead, he intended to use technology sparingly, merely enhancing the visuals with some snow.
As an ardent enthusiast, let me tell you, I’ve got a soft spot for motion control, models, and matte paintings. They possess this timeless quality that just speaks to my soul. Among these, stop-motion animation is my absolute favorite. It wasn’t easy, let me tell you, there were numerous hurdles when it came to creating with stop-motion. I had to put up quite a fight to resist the allure of CGI and stick to the traditional, labor-intensive methods.
12. Although Ferrell is taller than 5-foot-8 Bob Newhart, also known as Papa Elf, Favreau disclosed that they employed “forced perspective” to give the impression that the Saturday Night Live alum seemed taller than everyone else at the North Pole.
Favreau stated that creating two sets, with one larger than the other, meant that “if you examine them closely, they appear to intersect since we didn’t use computer-generated imagery (CGI) to conceal or soften this aspect.” He wanted the sets to retain the imperfections they would have had prior to CGI, in order to give the film a more enduring feel. This decision also resulted in some fascinating keepsakes. One of these mementos is a four-and-a-half-foot long Louisville Slugger bat that the elves were crafting, which now resides in his office.
13. They almost filmed the Santa scene at Macy’s, but one requirement was to cut a scene where Buddy exposed the department store Santa, portrayed by comedian Artie Lange, as fake since their Santa must be authentic, as Favreau clarified to Rolling Stone. “We had to ponder deeply about it.
In the end, they filmed inside a Vancouver mental health facility’s cafeteria. As an homage to the classic film “Miracle on 34th Street” from 1947, they decided to name their store Gimbels.
Ever since they cast Zooey Deschanel as my beloved character Jovie in “Elf,” I’ve been completely smitten! The film’s creators cleverly added a dash of warmth to the storyline with her enchanting rendition of “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.
In 2020, Deschanel shared with Entertainment Weekly that Jon Favreau mentioned the role was tailored for whoever got cast. One actress under consideration was skilled in skateboarding. However, at that time, I was heavily involved in my cabaret act and performing frequently. Given that they were already aware of my singing abilities, they decided to incorporate that as a unique talent they could uncover in me.
15. Among Buddy’s memorable quotes, such as “You reek of beef and cheese!” and “You occupy a seat of deceit!”, were spontaneously created by Ferrell during filming.
16. The intense fight sequence between Ferrell and Lange was captured in a single shot as it required the set decorators over a month (weeks) to adorn Gimbels.
“We had one take to destroy it,” Lange told ABC News, “So Favreau said, ‘Just go nuts!'”
17. Besides being recognized for his minor role as the doctor confirming Buddy is Walter’s son, Favreau additionally took on another character: He provided the voice of the Narwhal that famously bid farewell to Buddy, wishing him luck in finding his father.
18. Ferrell declined a reported $29 million offer to play Buddy again in a sequel, stating in 2006 to The Guardian that it was not challenging at all to turn down the chance. He recounted, “I wondered if I could endure the criticism when it’s unfavorable and they say, ‘He did the sequel for the money?'” He concluded that he wouldn’t be able to. He explained further, “I didn’t want to venture into a realm that might erase all the good work I’ve accomplished, but you’ll see, I’ll do a future sequel that’s awful.
19. However, Caan implied that the tension between Ferrell and Favreau might have halted any prospects of a sequel.
As a die-hard fan, I couldn’t contain my excitement when I heard we were making this film! My thoughts raced, “At last, a franchise movie! This could be my ticket to financial freedom, giving my kids the liberty to chase their dreams!
20. Although no sequel movie was delivered in Christmas presents, fans received an exciting Broadway musical adaptation of the film in 2010 instead. This production continued until 2013 and later made its way to London’s West End in 2015.
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2024-11-10 16:19