Cast
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Peter Falk
as Vincent J. Ricardo
Alan Arkin
as Sheldon S. Kompett D.D.S.
Richard Libertini
as General Garcia
Nancy Dussault
as Carol Kornpett
Penny Peyser
as Barbara Kornpett
Arlene Golonka
as Jean Ricardo
Michael Lembeck
as Tommy Ricardo
Paul L. Smith
as Mo
Ed Begley Jr.
as Barry Lutz
James Hong
as Bing Wong
David Paymer
as Cabbie
Rosanna DeSoto
as Evita
Art Evans
as Driver
Carmen Dragon
as Carmen Dragon
Jim Goodwin
as Guard
Crew
Director
- Arthur Hiller
Writer
- Andrew Bergman
Producer
- Arthur Hiller
- William Sackheim
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Adventure/Comedy/Mystery film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The In-Laws distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Arthur Hiller 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 1979, 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 In-Laws took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $9.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 151 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1014 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1979, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The In-Laws shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike You, Me and Dupree, which focuses more on action than character development, The In-Laws subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Russian Dolls and Wag the Dog explore similar territory, The In-Laws 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: June 15, 1979
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Budget: $9,000,000
- Revenue: $38,200,000
