As a huge fan of Christmas movies and action films, I was absolutely thrilled when I heard about “Violent Night,” the new Peacock original starring David Harbour as a badass Santa Claus taking down mercenaries on Christmas Eve. But what really made this movie stand out for me was the unique blend of heartwarming holiday cheer and brutal R-rated action, something that director Tommy Wirkola masterfully achieved with his Norwegian roots and experience.
During the filming of “Violent Night” (now available on Peacock), director Tommy Wirkola discovered that his budget wouldn’t allow for the original climax featuring a bazooka, Mrs. Claus, Santa’s sleigh, and Mr. Scrooge’s helicopter getaway. Realizing the need for a more affordable alternative, Wirkola drew inspiration from his Norwegian heritage and created an exciting chase scene using snowmobiles instead.
He shares with SYFY WIRE during a Zoom interview, “Growing up in the north, I’ve always had an affinity for snowmobiles, both on screen and in real life. In films, however, there hasn’t been a satisfying snowmobile chase scene. There have been a few, like in James Bond and Die Hard 2, but they weren’t enough. The director of Die Hard 2, Renny Harlin, is from Scandinavia and shares my love for snowmobiles. So, I decided to incorporate snowmobiles into the climax of our project. I wanted more than just a chase; I desired a heartfelt confrontation between Scrooge and Santa. We amplified Scrooge’s hatred for Christmas to create an intense build-up and ensure that the final showdown would be an emotional battle between these iconic characters, taking place in the snowy, wintery landscape of the North Pole.”
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After wrapping up my viewing of “Violent Night,” I can’t help but share my thoughts on this delightful homage to the classic holiday movie, “Home Alone.”
Where Was Violent Night Filmed?
As a gamer, I can tell you that the chilly scene in the game was brought to life by Winnipeg, Canada, stepping in for Connecticut. Surprisingly, it turned out to be even frostier than the original location portrayed in Wirkola’s movie. Since most of the action unfolded under the cover of night, filming became an enduring challenge for us. The mercury often plunged below negative 25-30 degrees Celsius, making each day on set a test of our resilience and determination.
“The harsh conditions added authenticity to the film’s appearance, which I believed was essential. Shooting wasn’t always easy, but being part of movie production made it exciting. It was chilly and everyone was cranky, but we all agreed it was worth enduring. I strongly support filming on site and in genuine environments, experiencing the cold and the snow.”
How Violent Night Director Tommy Wirkola Put an R-Rated Action Spin on Santa Claus
Written by Pat Casey and Josh Miller, the film features David Harbour (known for “Stranger Things”) portraying the North Pole dweller in a unique twist as Kris Kringle. Instead of just leaving gifts under the tree for well-behaved children, this Santa Claus uses force to protect a fortified family home from intruding mercenaries on Christmas Eve.
Wirkola was drawn to the project due to its unique blend of a heartwarming, large-scaled Christmas story with the excitement of an action movie. He saw it as an intriguing challenge and appreciated the script’s humor, well-developed characters, and tone that aligned with his own style.
The director points to “Bad Santa” as an impressive demonstration of weaving a traditional Christmas tale with mature themes while keeping viewers engaged. In essence, it proves that even with explicit content, one can exit the cinema feeling like they’ve experienced a heartwarming Christmas film and embraced the holiday cheer.
As the night unfolds, Saint Nick takes on the gruff persona of John McClane in a startling revelation. It turns out that good old Santa Claus had a violent past, living as a merciless Viking warrior centuries ago. His prized weapon, “Skullcrusher,” was a hammer drenched in blood, earned from those who crossed his path unwisely.
David made it clear that he wouldn’t force a comedic or cool approach and instead, we should allow the story to develop naturally, turning him back into an action hero without rushing things. Wirkola explained, “We had numerous discussions about ‘how can we peel back the layers of our Santa Claus?’ Our goal was to reveal his inner turmoil and eventual transformation, which would be marked by chaos, action, gore, and ultimately, self-discovery.”
During its successful theatrical release, “Violent Night” earned approximately $76 million globally (with an initial budget of around $20 million). The film received numerous praises from critics and viewers alike, resulting in a 73% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Many people have expressed their intention to make this action-packed holiday flick a yearly tradition.
“This is exactly what we had anticipated and wished for,” Wirkota reflects. “I can only hope that this movie becomes a beloved holiday tradition for many. If it does, then our efforts will have been worthwhile.”
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2024-07-19 18:47