Cast
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Jodie Foster
as Annabel Andrews
Barbara Harris
as Ellen Andrews
John Astin
as Bill Andrews
Patsy Kelly
as Mrs Schmauss
Dick Van Patten
as Harold Jennings
Vicki Schreck
as Virginia
Sorrell Booke
as Mr Dilk
Alan Oppenheimer
as Mr Joffert
Ruth Buzzi
as Opposing Coach
Kaye Ballard
as Coach Betsy
Marc McClure
as Boris Harris
Marie Windsor
as Mrs Murphy
Sparky Marcus
as Ben Andrews
Ceil Cabot
as Miss McGuirk
Brooke Mills
as Miss Gibbons
Crew
Director
- Gary Nelson
Producer
- Ron Miller
Reviews
Kamurai
Okay watch, probably won't watch again, and can't recommend.
It was interesting to see a young Jodie Foster...
While I appreciate this popularizing (I'm still not convinced it birthed) a trope of "body swapping", it seems very uninspired: as if they said, "Wouldn't it be great if a kid and a parent swapped?" and then just stopped coming up with ideas. It was honestly very jarring on both swaps, the latter being honestly confusing (despite having addressed it directly).
The movie made me realize how difficult it would be to swap places and attempt to "be" that person without a shred of preparation. I'm sure that's a bad sign as I should be more entertained by the novelty or adversity of the situation, but no.
It's not that its a bad movie, there's a lot going on, a lot of it decent, but it's very dated. Even the action in it is a little awkward, but I certainly see why people in 1976 would have been impressed with this.
On the other hand, I don't imagine people were talking about it for very long. There is a lot of thought narration that occurs, which isn't very engaging, and most of the engaging humor is cheap physical humor of "what's going to go wrong this time" so you're not engaged very long and the impression doesn't hold.
The part of the movie that is actually rather good is the substance of teaching everyone to appreciate everyone else in the family, but we really took "walk a mile in his shoes" to an extreme here. There are more palatable ways to express the concept, and more movies that use this trope.
I honestly suggest the 2003 version over this one, it's just not very memorable.
Jul 13, 2020
r96sk
Barbara Harris and Jodie Foster are superb in <em>'Freaky Friday'</em>!
Having only seen the 2003 remake, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this 1976 original. In short, I loved it. It's funny and charming, a real shining light in Disney's live-action stuff from the 1970s.
They only give you a snippet of Ellen (Harris) and Annabel (Foster) in their actual state, before switching it up, but it's more than enough to set up how the characters should act versus how they then act. The two leads are utterly fantastic, they both boss their respective roles. It's easy to forget they're acting as their opposing characters in moments, which is very impressive.
Obviously a load of the story elements are outdated in terms of gender roles etc., but even when that stuffs occurs the film - at least in my interpretation - sniggers at it - especially with Bill (John Astin). The actual comedic moments remain amusing.
I enjoyed this way more than I would've predicted, I haven't watched the '03 production in an incredibly long time so look forward to seeing how it compares to this. A great film, elevated by Harris and Foster.
Aug 27, 2020
Thematic Analysis
Freaky Friday represents a fascinating example of Fantasy/Comedy/Family cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Gary Nelson 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 1976, 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 Freaky Friday took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 116 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1904 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 265 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1976, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- 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 Freaky Friday shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Porch Pirates, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Freaky Friday offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The King of Comedy and Ronja the Robber's Daughter explore similar territory, Freaky Friday stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 17, 1976
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Revenue: $25,942,000
Where to Watch
