Big Bear Chase Me! - The Great Outdoors (10/10) Movie CLIP (1988) HD

About R.E.M.

R.E.M. was an American rock band formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1980 by drummer Bill Berry, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills, and lead vocalist Michael Stipe, who were students at the University of Georgia. R.E.M. was noted for Buck's arpeggiated "jangle" guitar playing; Stipe's distinctive vocal style, unique stage presence, and cryptic lyrics; Mills's countermelodic bass lines and backing vocals; and Berry's tight, economical drumming. In the early 1990s, other alternative rock acts suc...

About This Footage

R.E.M.'s cameo in The Great Outdoors (1988) is a rare gem that showcases the band's ability to blend into various contexts while maintaining their signature sound. This 3:14 clip, nestled among the chaos of John Candy's family vacation, is a brief yet telling glimpse into R.E.M.'s early days as they transitioned from Athens' underground scene to the mainstream.

In 1988, R.E.M. was still riding high on the success of their critically acclaimed album Document, released just two years prior. The band's unique blend of jangly guitars and cryptic lyrics had already begun to make waves in the music world. Their appearance in The Great Outdoors serves as a testament to their growing popularity and willingness to experiment with new sounds.

The clip itself is a brief but memorable moment where R.E.M.'s song "Big Bear Chase Me!" plays over a chaotic scene featuring John Candy's character being terrorized by a bald bear. The juxtaposition of the band's quirky, offbeat sound against the slapstick humor and absurdity of the film creates a humorous and lighthearted atmosphere.

What makes this clip significant is not only its rarity but also its context within the film. R.E.M.'s contribution adds to the overall tone of The Great Outdoors, which is marked by its comedic take on family dynamics and vacation mishaps. Their cameo serves as a brief respite from the chaos, offering a glimpse into their distinctive sound amidst the mayhem.

Viewers will be struck by the band's ability to seamlessly integrate into this lighthearted comedy, showcasing their willingness to experiment with new sounds and contexts. This clip is a reminder of R.E.M.'s innovative spirit and their capacity to transcend genres, making them one of the most beloved and enduring bands of the 1980s.

It's worth noting that R.E.M.'s appearance in The Great Outdoors was not an isolated incident. In the late 1980s, the band was actively exploring new sounds and collaborating with other artists. Their music at this time was characterized by a sense of experimentation and eclecticism, which would later become a hallmark of their critically acclaimed work.

This clip is more than just a rare moment in R.E.M.'s history; it's a testament to the band's innovative spirit and willingness to take risks. As viewers watch "Big Bear Chase Me!" play out amidst the chaos of The Great Outdoors, they'll be reminded of the band's enduring influence on the music world and their ability to create something truly unique in even the most unexpected contexts.

The image that lingers long after watching this clip is that of R.E.M. effortlessly blending into the film's comedic landscape, their quirky sound a perfect match for the absurdity of The Great Outdoors. This fleeting moment serves as a reminder of the band's enduring legacy and their capacity to create something truly special in even the most unexpected contexts.

Curated from public records and music databases.