John Landis’s 1978 film, National Lampoon’s Animal House, remains a landmark in comedy cinema, largely thanks to John Belushi’s unforgettable performance as John “Bluto” Blutarsky. Belushi, granted the rare freedom to improvise by Landis, delivered a portrayal of anarchic college life that resonated deeply with audiences and redefined comedic boundaries. His commitment to the role was legendary, mirroring his intense dedication seen in projects like Lemmings. From the outset, Bluto establishes himself as the epitome of disruptive fun, famously urinating on newcomers’ shoes while brandishing a massive beer goblet – a scene that sets the tone for the film’s irreverent humor. This wild energy continues throughout, punctuated by iconic moments that cemented Animal House in pop culture history, culminating in the humorous revelation in the end credits that Bluto would eventually become a senator.
Some of these memorable scenes were carefully crafted under Landis’s direction. For instance, in the lead-up to Bluto’s attempt to console Flounder (Stephen Furst), Landis advised Belushi to imagine he was trying to elicit laughter from a baby, resulting in a tender yet absurd moment. However, the film’s pièce de résistance, the chaotic food fight sequence, was born entirely from Belushi’s improvisational genius. Filmed in a single, glorious morning at the Erb Memorial Student Union, this scene showcases Belushi’s comedic brilliance.
In the build-up to the pandemonium, Bluto, tray piled high with cafeteria fare, confronts a group of Omegas. “See if you can guess what I am now,” he challenges them, before stuffing mashed potatoes into his mouth. After a five-second standoff, he dramatically pounds his cheeks, unleashing a spray of food. “I’m a zit. Geddit?” he declares. This absurd act ignites an all-out food war, soundtracked by the upbeat tune of Chris Montez’s “Let’s Dance.” Belushi, in a final burst of energy, turns directly to the camera and roars, “FOOD FIIIIIGHT!” This scene became instantly iconic, prompting audiences across America to throw popcorn in the air during screenings, fully embracing the film’s anarchic spirit. Belushi’s mischievous grin in the scene perfectly captures his awareness of the impending audience reaction and the scene’s destined legendary status.
Set in 1962, Animal House’s rebellious spirit tapped into the zeitgeist of 1970s America. In a post-Vietnam era, young people were eager to embrace lightheartedness and fun, and Animal House arrived as a joyous anthem for this sentiment. Matty Simmons recalls a test screening in Denver where “the audience went berserk. After the movie ended they were standing on their chairs, applauding and screaming.” The film’s impact was palpable, leaving industry figures like Sid Sheinberg, Ned Tanen, Ivan Reitman, and John Landis speechless and awestruck.
The film’s release sparked a nationwide phenomenon. Toga parties became ubiquitous, and Greek fraternities experienced a surge in popularity. Audiences flocked to theaters, turning Animal House into a box office juggernaut, reaching the number one spot in June 1978 and ultimately grossing an astounding $141.6 million. Animal House was not just a comedy; it was a cultural revolution, comedy’s equivalent to Easy Rider. Ivan Reitman observed, “It was the marking point. I always felt it changed the comedic language. Before Animal House they were all watching Bob Hope and Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. M*A*S*H was the transitional one—a little bit of both—and then this was the first film really made by kids who were postwar and in their early twenties, with a different way of expressing what’s funny.”
Animal House signaled a shift, unleashing a new wave of comedic expression. John Belushi, at the heart of this “Blutomania,” was taken aback by the film’s explosive success. He celebrated by purchasing expensive Bally shoes and hiring a limousine to witness firsthand the long lines outside Manhattan theaters, filled with repeat viewers.
“I like Bluto a lot. He’s someone that could have been my friend,” Belushi remarked at a press event shortly before the film’s release. Suddenly, everyone wanted to be Bluto’s friend. During a trip with Dan Aykroyd, Belushi famously stopped at an elementary school and began playfully knocking on classroom windows. Soon, the entire school was chanting, “BLUTO! BLUTO! BLUTO!” – a testament to the character’s pervasive appeal.
This widespread adoration was particularly sweet for Belushi, as it allowed him to eclipse Chevy Chase, a rival he often dismissively called a “brick.” Bob Tischler, a Saturday Night Live producer, noted Belushi’s burning ambition to be the first SNL star to achieve movie stardom, a position Chase initially claimed. While Chase had secured bigger movie roles and salaries earlier, Animal House became Belushi’s triumphant comeback. An encounter in a New York club bathroom between the two comedians underscored this shift. Belushi reportedly quipped to Chase, “I make more money in movies than you, boy.” Chase, forcing a smile, simply washed his hands and moved on.
Belushi had experienced fame before, albeit of a more unconventional kind, including bizarre fan mail like pot-filled tampons. Now, he had reached mainstream superstardom. While in Washington, D.C., a spontaneous decision to visit the White House led to his admission, even without identification, highlighting his newfound celebrity status. His phone became a hotline to Hollywood’s elite, with congratulations and job offers pouring in. Among the callers was Steven Spielberg, who presented Belushi with an exciting new opportunity, further solidifying his place in Hollywood history thanks to Animal House and his unforgettable portrayal of Bluto, a character indelibly linked to John Landis’s comedic vision.
Excerpted from Wild and Crazy Guys: How the Comedy Mavericks of the ’80s Changed Hollywood Forever. Copyright © 2019 by Nick de Semlyen.
