Cast
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Katharine Ross
as Joanna Eberhart
Paula Prentiss
as Bobbie Markowe
Nanette Newman
as Carol Van Sant
Judith Baldwin
as Patricia Cornell
Peter Masterson
as Walter Eberhart
Tina Louise
as Charmaine Wimpiris
Carol Eve Rossen
as Dr. Fancher
William Prince
as Ike Mazzard
Mary Stuart Masterson
as Kim Eberhart
Patrick O'Neal
as Dale Coba
Dee Wallace
as Nettie the Maid
George Coe
as Claude Axhelm
Franklin Cover
as Ed Wimpiris
Carole Mallory
as Kit Sunderson
Toni Reid
as Marie Axhelm
Crew
Director
- Bryan Forbes
Producer
- Edgar J. Scherick
Reviews
Wuchak
_**Slow-burn creepy 70's Sci-fi/drama**_
A couple (Katharine Ross & Peter Masterson) moves from the Big Apple to Stepford, Connecticut, where many of the wives of the village are oblivious to the current women's lib movement; they seem wholly dedicated to their husbands, home & garden and keeping themselves well-groomed and primed for sex. The husband joins the mysterious all-male organization of the town which seems to be up to something fishy. Paula Prentiss is on hand as Joanna’s quirky new friend while Tina Louise plays another newbie resident.
“The Stepford Wives” (1975) is a drama/mystery that morphs into sci-fi/horror. It’s iconic for good reason. The story’s captivating and the movie’s all-around entertaining. The story's not campy at all, like the confused 2004 version. This is serious and creepy sci-fi/drama with a bit o’ satire. It powerfully succeeds while the similar-themed "Westworld" (1973) is only passable.
Unfortunately, the film takes too much time with the building mystery where some of the drama is just plain dull. Nevertheless, it’s a notable film of the 70s tarnished only by the misguided remake in the 2000s.
The film runs 1 hour, 55 minutes, and was shot in Connecticut (Norwalk, Westport, Darien, Weston, Fairfield & Redding), except for the opening Manhattan scenes.
GRADE: B
Aug 11, 2020
Thematic Analysis
This Mystery/Thriller/Science Fiction/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Stepford Wives presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Bryan Forbes brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1975, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Stepford Wives took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.5 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 117 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 168 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1975, when this film was released:
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Stepford Wives shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Dark, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Stepford Wives subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Previously Saved Version and Illegal Aliens explore similar territory, The Stepford Wives stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 12, 1975
- Runtime: 1h 57m
- Budget: $500,000
- Revenue: $8,700,000
