Alfred Hitchcock’s final film, released in 1976, was Family Plot, a darkly comedic thriller that marked the culmination of a legendary career spanning over five decades. While not considered his most iconic work, Family Plot remains a fascinating study in Hitchcockian themes, showcasing his signature suspenseful storytelling with a lighter, more playful touch.
Hitchcock’s Swan Song: A Retrospective Look at Family Plot
Family Plot, based on Victor Canning’s novel The Rainbird Pattern, offers a delightful departure from the intense psychological thrillers that defined much of Hitchcock’s filmography. The story revolves around two parallel investigations: a fraudulent spiritualist, Blanche Tyler (Barbara Harris), and her taxi-driver boyfriend, George Lumley (Bruce Dern), who are hired to locate a missing heir, and a pair of sophisticated kidnappers, Arthur Adamson (William Devane) and his girlfriend, Fran (Karen Black), who are hiding a dark secret.
The film’s charm lies in its intricate plot, witty dialogue, and the superb performances of its cast. While Hitchcock employed many of his familiar techniques, such as building suspense through suggestion and misdirection, Family Plot is distinguished by its more comedic tone and its focus on quirky characters. It’s a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, allowing Hitchcock to experiment with a different style while still delivering a compelling and entertaining narrative. Although health issues plagued him during filming, Hitchcock’s directorial ingenuity still shone through, proving that even in his twilight years, he remained a master of cinematic suspense.
Unpacking Family Plot: Key Elements and Themes
Family Plot, while not consistently ranked among Hitchcock’s best, showcases several recurring motifs and stylistic choices that characterize his work.
The MacGuffin and Misdirection
As with many of Hitchcock’s films, Family Plot utilizes a MacGuffin, a plot device that drives the narrative forward but ultimately holds little intrinsic importance. In this case, the missing heir, Edward Shoebridge, serves as the MacGuffin, setting both investigative teams in motion. Hitchcock masterfully uses misdirection, focusing the audience’s attention on seemingly significant details to conceal the true nature of the central conflict.
Dark Humor and Satire
Unlike the intense psychological dramas of Vertigo or Psycho, Family Plot embraces dark humor and satire. The characters are often portrayed with a self-aware irony, and the situations they find themselves in are frequently absurd. This comedic element provides a welcome contrast to the suspenseful plot, making the film a thoroughly enjoyable viewing experience.
The Theme of Deception
Deception is a central theme in Family Plot. Both Blanche Tyler and Arthur Adamson are skilled deceivers, using their talents to manipulate others and conceal their true intentions. The film explores the complexities of human nature, suggesting that even those who present themselves as trustworthy may be hiding something.
Why Family Plot Matters: Hitchcock’s Legacy and Final Statement
While Family Plot might not be the first film that comes to mind when discussing Hitchcock’s masterpieces, it’s an important work within his overall filmography. It represents a director at the end of a long and illustrious career, unafraid to experiment with different styles and tones. Family Plot is a testament to Hitchcock’s enduring creativity and his ability to engage audiences even with a lighter, more playful approach. It serves as a fitting, if unexpected, swan song for one of cinema’s greatest masters. The film’s lighthearted nature perhaps reflects a director who, after decades of exploring the darker aspects of human nature, was seeking a more optimistic and entertaining note to conclude his career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Plot and Hitchcock’s Final Years
Here are some frequently asked questions that provide additional insights into Family Plot and Alfred Hitchcock’s later career.
FAQ 1: Why is Family Plot considered a “minor” Hitchcock film?
While expertly crafted, Family Plot lacks the groundbreaking innovation and profound psychological depth of Hitchcock’s earlier works like Vertigo, Rear Window, and Psycho. It’s a lighter, more accessible film, which some critics have interpreted as a sign of a director past his prime. However, its inherent entertainment value and Hitchcock’s signature touches still make it a worthwhile viewing experience.
FAQ 2: What were some of the challenges Hitchcock faced during the filming of Family Plot?
Hitchcock’s health was declining during the production of Family Plot. He suffered from arthritis and other ailments, which made directing more physically demanding. Despite these challenges, he remained actively involved in every aspect of the film, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his craft.
FAQ 3: Did Hitchcock plan any other films after Family Plot?
Yes, Hitchcock had plans to direct a thriller titled The Short Night, based on a true story of espionage. He even worked on a screenplay, but the project was ultimately abandoned due to his declining health and financial constraints. The script and storyboards remain, offering tantalizing glimpses into what might have been.
FAQ 4: How does Family Plot compare to the novel it’s based on?
The film significantly deviates from Victor Canning’s novel, The Rainbird Pattern. Hitchcock and screenwriter Ernest Lehman reworked the story, shifting the focus from the psychic’s genuine abilities to her fraudulent practices and introducing the element of dark comedy. The film’s tone is considerably lighter and more playful than the novel’s.
FAQ 5: Who was Ernest Lehman and what was his contribution to Family Plot?
Ernest Lehman was a renowned screenwriter who collaborated with Hitchcock on several films, including North by Northwest. For Family Plot, Lehman adapted Canning’s novel, injecting humor and streamlining the plot for cinematic effect. His contributions were crucial in shaping the film’s distinctive tone.
FAQ 6: What is the significance of the final scene in Family Plot?
The final scene, where Blanche winks at the camera, is often interpreted as Hitchcock’s acknowledgement of the audience’s complicity in the act of storytelling and deception. It’s a playful gesture that reminds viewers that they, too, have been manipulated by the film’s narrative.
FAQ 7: What are some examples of Hitchcock’s signature techniques in Family Plot?
Family Plot features classic Hitchcockian techniques such as suspenseful camera angles, deliberate pacing, and the use of ordinary objects to create tension. The film’s iconic scene involving a car losing its brakes on a winding mountain road is a prime example of Hitchcock’s masterful ability to build suspense.
FAQ 8: What is the critical reception of Family Plot?
Critical reception to Family Plot has been mixed. While some praised the film’s humor, performances, and intricate plot, others felt it lacked the depth and originality of Hitchcock’s earlier works. However, most critics acknowledge the film’s entertainment value and its significance as Hitchcock’s final directorial effort.
FAQ 9: How does Family Plot reflect the changing trends in filmmaking during the 1970s?
Family Plot, with its lighter tone and more explicit violence compared to his earlier work, reflects the evolving cinematic landscape of the 1970s. The film embraced a more cynical and self-aware style, mirroring the trends in contemporary Hollywood filmmaking.
FAQ 10: Where can I watch Family Plot?
Family Plot is readily available on various streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu (availability may vary depending on your region). It is also available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray.
FAQ 11: Who composed the music for Family Plot?
The music for Family Plot was composed by John Williams, a frequent collaborator of Steven Spielberg and one of the most acclaimed film composers of all time. Williams’ score perfectly complements the film’s tone, enhancing both the suspenseful and comedic elements.
FAQ 12: Is Family Plot a good entry point for someone unfamiliar with Hitchcock’s work?
While Family Plot showcases Hitchcock’s storytelling prowess, it might not be the ideal starting point for newcomers. Films like Psycho, Rear Window, or Vertigo are more representative of his signature style and offer a deeper understanding of his thematic concerns. However, Family Plot can serve as an enjoyable introduction to his work after experiencing some of his more iconic films.