Robert Davi declares Die Hard is a Christmas movie once and for all

In December 2024, the ongoing debate about whether the film Die Hard qualifies as a Christmas movie has been reignited, especially as the holiday season approaches. Released in 1988, Die Hard follows the story of John McClane, played by Bruce Willis, a New York City policeman who confronts terrorists during a Christmas party at his estranged wife's workplace. The action-packed movie has gained a significant following over the years, becoming a staple in many households during the holiday season. Actor Robert Davi, who played FBI agent Big Johnson in the film, recently weighed in on this debate, asserting that the film is indeed a Christmas movie. While he initially did not see it as such when it was released, Davi acknowledges the film's evolution into a holiday classic. He pointed out that its setting during Christmas, along with its themes and character struggles, have resonated with audiences looking for something beyond traditional holiday fare. Davi noted that despite its action-oriented plot, the film captures the spirit of the season in its context. Simultaneously, Robert Eggers’ adaptation of Nosferatu, premiering this Christmas, aims to attract adult audiences with its gothic reimagining of the 1922 German silent film. The film is not a retelling of Bram Stoker's Dracula but an interpretation of the original Nosferatu, with Count Orlok portrayed by Bill Skarsgard. It intertwines elements of love and horror, featuring a young man's entanglement with the vampire amidst a landscape of castles and gothic motifs. Eggers’ creative approach draws comparisons to well-known filmmakers, capturing the eerie and captivating essence of the story. As consumers flock to theaters during the holiday season, these two films reflect contrasting takes on Christmas: one is an action film that has come to symbolize the festivities for many, while the other promises to captivate viewers with its dark allure. The coexistence of these in theatres may shape how audiences define holiday cinema, intertwining myth and tradition in a contemporary context. Both films serve as a conduit through which holiday sentiments are explored, whether through action or adaptation.