How could you not, with six-plus feet of manic, hyperactive flesh snug in his elf garb, the definition of exuberance, a sugar high fueled by jelly beans coated in maple syrup? Thats, to me, the greatest joy., 3. Their ultimate goal was not box office glory (although that would be nice.) If you look closely at the scene where Buddy gets a blood test, his onscreen biological father, Caan, can be seen smiling while looking to the side and then turning away after Buddy gets pricked. 8 things you never knew about the Christmas movie 'Elf' "Now, we're really best buddies. The film also stars Zooey Deschanel, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, and Edward Asner. Photo Gallery; Trailers and Videos; Details. "It's sort of romantic, but it's sort of weird, too.". Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Whats going on? 18. Am I biased? 6. She can be heard saying shell be declawing eight kittens on the phone. In a 2020 Rolling Stone interview , director Jon Favreau recalled . Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel have both paid a sweet tribute to their Elf co-star James Caan following the sad news that he had passed away on Wednesday . Life & Style has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. All of us were a little scared of James Caan, producer Jon Berg said in the Netflix documentary series The Movies That Made Us., From 1980: The Candid Caan Real Life, No Sharks. "I decided I wouldn't be able to. "So when you watch it, it doesn't feel like it ages the same way that a film that has a lot of digital effects does.. One Elf element Deschanel isn't a fan of is her character's blonde hair. Ferrell later told Rotten Tomatoes that it was when he saw the original ending at the LA premiere that he knew the movie was special. His specific casting in that role adds to obviously why it works so well., Caan has a great sense of humor. But Caan soon put their fears to rest. "We were half-joking, saying, Maybe someday this will be like Christmas Story where every year they'll watch it.'". As Favreau explained, "If I made the world that [Buddy] was from as though he grew up as an elf in one of those Rankin/Bass Christmas specials I grew up with, then everything fell into place tonally.". But she told Variety that she was the backup choice to play the part, stepping in when the first-choice actress dropped out. However, he has also become more involved in more dramatic projects, such asThe Shrink Next Door, which was released in 2021. Visual effects teams hand painted changes on the North Pole set. Everywhere he goes, The Godfather theme., No, Elf probably wont be added to the Criterion Collection anytime soon. So in the interest of spreading holiday cheer, here are 27 things you never noticed in Elf before. Youre going to read an awful lot about Sonny Corleone over the next few days. He landed several acting roles later on, including in DisneysMuppets Haunted Mansion, which premiered in 2021. The Wrap. Favreau panicked that if he showed a cut of the movie without the as-yet-incomplete stop-motion scenes, the studio wouldn't let him add them in later. Favreau recruited the Chiodo brothers to film the sequences, whose resume included effects for the Gremlins movies and sequences in The Simpsons. "I don't like sitting around talking about all that acting crap," Caan told PEOPLE in 1975, "but I've always wanted to be respected by the people I respect. Buddy's infamous 12-second long burp wasn't actually performed by Ferrell. See How the Kardashians Are Decorating for the Holidays, Heidi Klum Admits She Loves Going Topless: See Her Sexiest Photos Ever, Streaking, Nude Selfies, Oh My! "Will has really good comedic concentration so he was able to stay in character the whole time, and we used what worked," Favreau told Rotten Tomatoes. And then he just walked past. He explained that he didn't want to face criticism and accusations of money-grabbing if it didn't turn out as well as the first one, adding, "I didn't want to wander into an area that could erase all the good work I've done.". Plus, The New York Times called it, "A splashy, peppy, sugar-sprinkled holiday entertainment." Why did you do that one about the elf? Elf has the ability to make you laugh and cry and be filled with holiday wonder, just as any good Christmas flick should. That meant they could buy the license to the brand, but there was no Gimbels store to shoot in. At that point, Ferrell was known mainly for Saturday Night Live, which he'd just left, and for small parts in adult-only movies like the first and second Austin Powers, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, and Zoolander. 4. Actor James Caan at home playing a guitar on April 16,1970 in Hollywood, California. Needless to say, we did have a fair amount of fittings to be sure we struck the right balance between absurd and adorable.". 8 Jul 2022. Paul also happens to be the name he gives to Santa, so no acting was required. . Fun fact: Redbone also sings Baby, Its Cold Outside with Deschanel during the credits. But a good way into production, the New Line legal department panicked. Same thing with the 59th Street Bridge," Favreau told Rolling Stone. The first two weeks of shooting were kind of all the exteriors in New York. Thats who you notice on the second watch. Fortunately, even New Line had to admit that its version didn't work, and the ending was restored. Who didnt love Bob as Papa Elf, the man who raised Buddy as his own? Anyone who grew up watching Rankin/Bass specials will notice similarities with Elf, especially in the North Pole sequences. That includes those that lend themselves to being shot in an abandoned mental institution, such as the orphanage, the police station, the mail room, and the offices of Greenway Press. - Favreau on the shower/duet scene between Deschanel and Farrell. Yes, even if youve seen it a million times. He chose to wear her "Wanda" nametag anyway. Turns out, Charlottes reporting isnt as stellar as she thinks. Though his career was already impressive, he has only continued to cement himself as a comedy legend! He was even given the prestigious Gordon E. Sawyer Academy Award in 1992 for his impact in the motion picture industry. This man is actor and comedian Matt Walsh, best known for playing Mike McLintock on Veep. Bob enjoyed a long run inThe Big Bang Theoryas recurring character Arthur Jeffries before the series ended. "Christmas movies are about spirit winning . He was 82. Okay, technically it was an abandoned mental hospital, where the production team constructed the interior sets for Walter's Central Park West apartment, Gimbels's lavish toy department, and that grim prison cell. This development was great for the screenplay, but it's also the reason Elf almost never happened. James Caan, as Buddy's biological father Walter, often seems uncomfortable as if he felt ill at ease on the set and used that feeling in his . 10. But anything for the movie, I'm there. On your next Elf rewatch, take a second to pause and admire the scale Lego model of the New York skyline that Buddy builds for the Gimbels Santaland. And the directors source of inspiration is definitely visible. July 8, 2022 at 6:00 a.m. EDT. The director eventually cast him in 1972's The Godfather, earning Caan his sole Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. In 2006, Favreau told The A.V. She plays Gail inThe Last Man On Earth, has appeared inThe Connersas Marcy, andmadeher Christmas movie return inHappiest Seasonon Hulu. Notably, in the North Pole sequences, they used forced perspective to make Ferrell look much taller than his co-stars. Its hard to make out exactly what Michael says Dirk Lawson, the long-haired man at the biker bar, wants for Christmas, but it turns out he wants a day of pampering at Burke Williams spa. Nothing embarrassing about that, Dirk. James Caan, Oscar-nominated actor of 'The Godfather,' 'Misery' and 'Elf He told Blackfilm in 2003, "The appeal of it was to be able to shoot a film that would be funny but also heartfelt and be a different type of thing for me to do something that a family audience would see. Meanwhile, Buddy is . And yes, we heard that. In the years following Elf, Caan acted in films like Get Smart (2008), For the Love of Money (2012) and Holy Land (2019). And his A Night at the Roxbury co-star Chris Kattan was his elf. 'Elf' Cast Then & Now: See How Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel & More According to him, Rays has a lot of imitators but the real ones on the 11th. Actually, while there was a Famous Rays Pizza on 11th street, the first and original Rays Pizza opened in 1959 on Little Italys Prince Street. Favreau told Rolling Stone that Caan "always felt like he was being treated right on the set. 14. A titan in the film industry, Caan's movie and TV career stretches back over 60 years, with some of his most notable roles being in The Godfather (1972), Misery (1990) and Elf (2003). he explained. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. Even James Caan Couldn't Keep A Straight Face On The Set Of Elf Free shipping for many products! The boots that are curled up," Lange said, laughing. "They felt it would blow the illusion for kids.". Will Ferrell and Bob Newhart in "Elf,"2003. Caan met a new generation of fans when he played the straight-and-narrow biological father to Will Ferrell's Buddy in 2003's Elf. One year prior, he starred in the wildly popular TV movie Brian's Song, which followed the final years of a terminally ill football player. 2. Grizzled Mark Acheson's casting as Buddy's drinking buddy concerned execs because of the line, "I'm 26 years old." Faizon Love plays the manager at the department store, and hes simply credited as Gimbels Manager. But his name tag says his name is Wanda, a detail that left many fans confused. Following a theater apprenticeship, he moved on to television guest spots and a role in The Rail People that earned him the eye of one Francis Ford Coppola. Hes prickly, but not a complete jerk, tough but vulnerable. James Caan Remembered by Adam Sandler, Rob Reiner and More: 'Best of the Best', All About James Hong, 94-Year-Old 'Everything Everywhere' Star Who Got Standing Ovation at SAG Awards. "So we had one take to destroy it. For more, watch the special "20/20 Presents: Lights, Camera, Christmas: Inside Holiday Movie Classics," on Wednesday, Nov. 22 at 10 p.m. Obituary: James Caan, who played Sonny Corleone in The Godfather, dies at 82. Gale Sayers (Billy Dee Williams) comforts Brian Piccolo (James Caan) in 1971's "Brian's Song." Caan died July 6, 2022, at the age of 82. Speaking to The Guardian about his decision the following year, Ferrell admitted that it was a lot of money but said he had no regrets. Eventually, something just clicked in Jimmy, and he just went with it. James Caan, the Oscar-nominated star of The Godfather, Misery and Elf, has died at the age of 82. Youll shoot your eye out! No explanation is given. "We had one take to destroy it," Lange told ABC News, "So Favreau said, 'Just go nuts! Like many productions, this one took advantage of the financial benefits of filming in Canada, and much of Elf was shot in sound stages in Vancouver. But before Elf, he was better known for being an actor and he appears as the doctor who does the paternity test for Walter. This article was originally published on Dec. 22, 2017, Rachel McAdams Would Be Part Of 'Mean Girls: The Musical' On This Condition, Paramount+s 'Fatal Attraction' Series Follows The Movies Alternate Ending, Molly Ringwald Turned Down 'Pretty Woman' Due To An Early Script's Ick Factor, Jennifer Aniston Reveals The One Sequel She Would *Never* Do, Get Even More From Bustle Sign Up For The Newsletter. Elves thrive on the four main food groups (candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup, of course), but one of the dumb things we all ignored in Elf was that Buddy, as a human, would probably be very ill, if not dead, on this diet. "I constantly stayed up. I had never been involved with it." They also saved money on the sequence showing Buddy exploring New York by sending Ferrell out in costume to interact with people. He also made a cameo in another of his brothers movies, The Other Guys, in 2010, this time as one of two precinct detectives. When Im working with improv people, I give them the green light to just bring it and try things. But he admitted to Rolling Stone that the sight of Ferrell in his elf costume on the side of the 59th Street Bridge did "cause a few minor traffic accidents.". James Caan: A tough guy with range, from 'Brian's Song' to Sonny "I had to dye my hair blonde for a screen test for a movie that never happened before I did Elf. The 1996 action film Eraser paired Caan with Arnold Schwarzenegger, allowing him to once again spread his bad guy wings as villain DeGuerin. Just leave it to Ferrell. See What The 'Elf' Cast Looks Like Now: Photos of Stars But the director said lining up a large set and small set required extremely precise lighting to control continuity between the appearance of both the background and foreground. "We were going to do it, and I thought, 'Oh my God, I finally have a franchise movie. James Caan's Biggest Movie Roles [PHOTOS] Its particularly striking given how picky he could be he rejected starring roles in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Apocalypse Now, Blade Runner and Superman (because he didnt want to wear a cape), among others. But when it came to the blood test scene where Buddy bellows when pricked by a needle, Caan cracked. Buddy works at the department store Gimbels with Jovie. You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. 40 Things We Learned from Jon Favreau's 'Elf' Commentary In the scene where Buddy suffers as a toy tester, he's subjected to popping open an endless stream of menacing jack-in-the-boxes. The actors literally only had one shot to bust it apart. Born in New York City on March 26, 1940, to Sophie and Arthur Caan, Jewish immigrants from Germany, James Caan went to Michigan State University on an athletic scholarship before turning to Off-Broadway, according to a 1975 PEOPLE profile. He also later revealed he voiced the character of Mr. Narwhal. Santa, being the frequent sleigh flier that he is, gives Buddy some NYC spots to hit up, including Rays Pizza. Originally, Favreau wanted to use Macy's, but the brand refused to show a Macy's Santa being unmasked (unbearded) as a fake. Ming Ming The Elf Is A Holiday Movie Star. He also voiced the rabid raccoon Buddy encounters. Its hard to believe Will was only 36 when he starred as Buddy. The final day of Elf's New York shooting was pared down from a massive crew to just three people: its star, its director, and one cameraman. Together, this trio traveled around the city, looking for mischief for Buddy to get into with random passersby turned background extras. "The costume was important," Favreau told ABC News. Obviously they couldn't rebuild everything again, which meant Ferrell and Artie Lange, as the Gimbels Santa, had only one take to tear the production team's hard work apart. Scroll through the gallery to see what the cast looks like now! Knowing that the key was to have Caans Walter bristle against Ferrells Buddy, the former Saturday Night Live actor and improv comedian decided to agitate the Oscar-nominee until he made the journey from annoyance to bemusement. 3. However, he had some fun alongside Molly Sims and Josh Duhamel on Las Vegas, starring as casino bigwig Ed Deline from 2003 to 2007. So, the Chiodos ramped up their schedule. These elements where then carefully overlaid in camera, using lighting to blend the seams. Raised as an oversized elf, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, Walter Hobbs, who doesn't know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit. I would try to offset anything he could throw at me, Ferrell told Blackfilm. 13. People would be looking at him walking on the side and that would cause a few minor traffic accidents.". From left, Amy Sedaris, James Caan and Will Ferrell in the 2003 holiday comedy "Elf." (New Line Cinema/Everett Collection) Article. Because it took over a decade for the film to finally be made, the . ", Though the comedian reprised the role of Ron Burgundy for Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues and returned as Mugatu in Zoolander 2, he flat out rejected the possibility of bringing back Buddy, even after being offered a reported $29 million. "[Caan's] like, 'Hey, I've gotta tell you something. James Caan: a life in pictures | Film | The Guardian I knew it was driving him crazy on one level. Best in Commentary. New Line Cinema. Jason LaVerisGetty Images. But Macy's didn't like the idea that there was a fake Santa working there," Favreau said. But it sort of backfired. According to James, it never happened becausethe director [Jon Favreau, who also played Buddys doctor] and Will didnt get along very well. James Caan, the veteran screen actor known for his work in such films as "The Godfather," "Misery" and "Elf," has died, his family said in a statement on his verified Twitter account. The wardrobe department even mimicked the famous puppet-like costumes with permission for Buddy, Santa and the other elves. the New Girl star told Stylecaster. In the first preview screening, the movie ended with Buddy and Santa (Edward Asner) flying away from Central Park, with no Central Park singalong or reunion between Buddy and Walter. At this point, every Game of Thrones fan should know that Tyrion Lannister (actor Peter Dinklage) plays author Miles Finch. Here are eight things you might not know about the movie Elf., 1. A natural brunette, Zooey Deschanelsported light blonde locks as Jovie, Buddy's fellow Gimbels elf and love interest. 2023 E! 7. ELF - DVD Will Ferrell, James Caan, Ed Asner, Bob Newhart, Jon Favreau Before his big break on Saturday Night Live, Ferrell once worked as a mall Santa Claus in Pasadena, Calif., with his SNL co-star Chris Kattan serving as one of his elves. With Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart, Edward Asner. Our goal, even then, was to make a movie that could be part of that pantheon, he said. Picturing anyone other than Will Ferrell (or an actual elf) pulling off Buddy's unbridled Christmas spirit, hopeless naivete, and yellow tights is almost impossible now. James Caan, the tough-guy actor who scored an Oscar nom as mafioso Sonny Corleone in The Godfather and an Emmy nom for playing NFL running back Brian Piccolo in Brian's Song, among a host of Ferrell's brother Patrick Ferrell played one of the security guards that drags Buddy out of the Empire State Building. Elf is just like The Godfather, really: It doesnt work without James Caan. The first script for Elf was actually written in 1993, with Jim Carreyin mind to play the titular Santa's helper. 12. Will Ferrell and Jon Favreau in "Elf," 2003. But as soon as I was done with that movie, I pretty much dyed it back.". They have to smash the whole [thing] -- so we dont really have a lot of resets, Favreau said, laughing. Elf (2003) - IMDb The first script for Elf was actually written in 1993, with Jim Carrey in mind to play the titular Santa's helper. In 2006, he turned down a $29 million offer nearly the entire budget of the first movie to put Buddy's tights back on. Entertainment Television, LLC A Division of NBCUniversal. The interiors of Walters Central Park West apartment, however, were constructed at an old mental facility in Vancouver, Riverview Hospital, whose film credits include horror classics Final Destination 2, Freddy vs. Jason, and Jennifers Body, among others. Billingsley has been a producer on several of Favreau's film and television projects. The actor played the chimney-climber several times, including in the TV movies The Story of Santa Claus, Christmas on the Bayou, and National Lampoons Christmas Vacation 2. Producer Billingsley, who is best known as Ralphie in A Christmas Story, made a cameo as a toy-making elf in Santas workshop on the film. Favreau used the "forced perspective" technique while filming so that Buddy the Elf appeared larger than his surroundings and counterparts. So if you could make him laugh, all the tension disappears. There's a Christmas Story cameo in Elf. Club, "I know Will was attached to an Elf 2. In the DVD commentary, Favreau offers, It explained why Buddy was doing all these good things in New York if he grew up in a world where everybody was so sweet even when hes obviously screwing everything up and doesnt fit in at all.. Despite Elf's success, there's a lump of coal to go with the Christmas joy. Before he was asked to come in to rewrite the script and transform the movie into a PG friendly-family affair, Favreau initially turned down the job. The New York Times called his presence "a lunatic bonhomie that lights a welcome spark.". This is the untold truth of Elf, including the story of building Santaland, the scene Jon Favreau added for Zooey Deschanel, the lawsuit that nearly canceled everything, what James Caan was like . crooning Baby, Its Cold Outside with Zooey Deschanels Jovie, declawing kittens in New York has been made illegal, he appears to be Wills real-life brother, 1960s movie from Roger Patterson and Bob Gimlin, concert in Central Park actually occurred in 1981. Going to go out on a limb here and say that Patrick is the taller security guard on the left in the above photo. Its great to see Jimmy in a way that were not used to seeing him in and it adds to the effect. And theres Caan theres Sonny Corleone, Paul Sheldon, Tony Archer, Brian Piccolo, the dude from Thief as the gruff, absent father who needs to learn the meaning of Christmas. 6. Pitting the capital-S Serious actor against Ferrells manic creation was part of director Jon Favreaus plan, though it made for a nervous crew. "We shot right up until we destroy the place," Lange told ABC News. Walter Hobbs is the deuteragonist of Elf and Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas. Will Ferrell, Jon Favreau, and Joe MacLeod in "Elf," 2003. And perhaps its because Buddy excels at transporting you to a time when you believed in Santa Claus that you may have missed some fun details you otherwise would have picked up on, including tons of nods to other beloved Christmas flicks. Elf (2003) - Photo Gallery - IMDb My goal is to do good work and not quit trying.". "It hits hardest at Christmastime when it's 105 degrees out here," Berenbaum told Variety in 2018. Although his role is uncredited . On the first watch, you notice Will Ferrells Buddy the Elf. Somehow, this film just became even more charming. Beyond that, the snowmans name comes from his voice actor, Leon Redbone and Leon coincidentally spells Noel (aka Christmas in French) backward. Elf (2003) photos, including production stills, premiere photos and other event photos, publicity photos, behind-the-scenes, and more. and "You sit on a throne of lies! The following year, Caan married actress and costume designer Linda Stokes, with whom he had two more sons, James and Jacob. The Godfather (1972) Caan immortalized himself in what would become his signature role as lovable hothead Santino "Sonny" Corleone in Francis Ford Coppola's Mafia epic. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Artie Lange played the Santa who sat on a throne of lies at Gimbels. And yes, that really is Ferrell singing. On top of that, in 2020, James Caan shed more light on why, unlike Santa's sleigh, Elf 2 never made it off the ground. They wanted to make the kind of Christmas movie that families gather together to rewatch every year in the holidays. The scene when Buddy is on the bridge and sees Santas sleigh crash mirrors when George Bailey (played by Jimmy Stewart) hits his low point in Its A Wonderful Life, yet another classic holiday movie. 'Elf' Cast: Where Are They Now? - People Great job,'" Ferrell recalled during an appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden in 2018. You're going to read an . Well, believe it or not, the film actually debuted on Nov. 7, 2003 and yes, that comes out to a whole 18 years ago! Suddenly, Ferrell was famous, specifically for playing a beer-guzzling, streaking, ribbon-dancing, ring-of-fire-jumping frat man. "We were gonna do it. Some effects just couldn't be practical. Anyone else notice that Michael and Buddys water glasses were empty at dinner? Buddy sure has the same stride as the mythical creature. — -- Its been 14 years since Elf hit theaters as an instant Christmas classic, and for director Jon Favreau, fulfilling that goal was his greatest joy.. The shot where Buddy is caught by NY1 cameras in Central Park is most likely a reference to the 1960s movie from Roger Patterson and Bob Gimlin that allegedly featured Bigfoot, according to the website Zinzin. James Caan (left) portrayed Sonny Corleone, song of gangster patriarch Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) in the celebrated 1972 film. So every take was different. TIL: After filming ELF, Will Ferrell gave James Caan the GODFATHER trilogy with a note saying "Great working with you. That character was supposed to be played by comedian Wanda Sykes, but Love got the part when she became unavailable. He had it in his contract. TIL: After filming ELF, Will Ferrell gave James Caan the - Reddit James Caan's wife Linda Stokes, Director of the movie "Holy Lands" Amanda Sthers, Actor James Caan and . Anyone with any sort of positive relationship with Elf i.e. Favreau and Lange both told "20/20" that the movie's art department worked long hours over two weeks to set the scene with an elaborate LEGO city-scape, Lite Brite displays, and miniature train setup. No wonder Buddy feels the need to drink a whole 2-liter of Coke at dinner at his dads house hes thirsty. So lets talk about something else. And then they had to source all the bricks specially. She told Entertainment Weekly that Favreau wanted to tailor the character to whoever played her. He knew it was crucial for Walter to be annoyednever amusedby his supposed son's antics. 'Elf' Cast: Where Are They Now? Will Ferrell, More - Us Weekly But he took it all in stride. Although his role is uncredited, Peter Billingsley plays Ming Ming and the actor is best known for being Ralphie in 1983s A Christmas Story. However, the production ran into a problem when the boys couldn't perform. Movie tough guy James Caan, whose work spanned generations in such big-screen classics as "The Godfather," "Misery" and "Elf," died Wednesday, his family said. The hardest part about the mealtime scenes, Steenburgen said, was not laughing at Ferrell. ", In hindsight, it's clear that casting Ferrell was key to the movie's success. In 2012, Caan joined son Scott on an episode of Hawaii Five-0, playing a retired NYPD bomb expert who becomes a private investigator in Oahu. She explained to Variety, "There are worse things in the world to eat than that, but we had been doing it for hours." It's this spirit that gave Elf its candy cane-sweet center. It took him a while to get with the programming. And Santa is Ed Asner?! most people who have seen it would be, too. . Rusty Smith told Netflix that after Favreau had finished his cut, the studio tried to reshape the movie into an adult comedy. Though immortalized here and in the 1947 classic Miracle on 34th Street, the department store closed its doors in 1987, its 100th year of operation. When asked about the cult-classic success of the film, Will said it was just obviously one of those where the stars aligned and 15 years later, its crazy..
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