Alfred Hitchcock’s final film, a fittingly quirky and suspenseful conclusion to a legendary career, was titled Family Plot. Released in 1976, it showcased the director’s enduring ability to blend suspense with dark humor, leaving audiences both thrilled and subtly amused.
A Fitting Finale: Unpacking ‘Family Plot’
‘Family Plot’, adapted from Victor Canning’s novel The Rainbird Pattern, might not be considered Hitchcock’s most iconic work, but it undeniably bears his signature. It’s a caper film, a suspense thriller, and a dark comedy all rolled into one, telling the intertwined stories of two couples: a fake psychic and her taxi-driver boyfriend who attempt to locate a missing heir, and a pair of jewel thieves whose paths inevitably cross theirs. The film’s success lies not just in its plot twists and turns but also in its sophisticated portrayal of flawed characters and its masterful manipulation of suspense, even in a somewhat lighter tone than some of his earlier masterpieces. The film avoids the stark horror of Psycho or the intense paranoia of Rear Window, opting instead for a more playful, though still undeniably suspenseful, atmosphere. It stands as a testament to Hitchcock’s versatility and his enduring ability to entertain and captivate audiences right up to the very end of his distinguished career.
Hitchcock’s decision to adapt Canning’s novel, The Rainbird Pattern, into Family Plot highlights his continuing interest in stories involving mistaken identities, elaborate schemes, and the blurring of moral lines. This fascination, present throughout his filmography, reached a culmination in this final piece. While the film may not be as celebrated as some of his earlier works, it is nevertheless a testament to the fact that Hitchcock’s genius resided not in a singular genre or style but in his mastery of cinematic language itself.
Behind the Scenes: The Making of Hitchcock’s Last Film
The production of Family Plot was marked by several challenges, including casting changes and Hitchcock’s own declining health. Initially, Walter Matthau was considered for one of the lead roles, but he ultimately declined. The casting choices that were eventually made – including Karen Black, Bruce Dern, Barbara Harris, and William Devane – ultimately contributed to the film’s quirky charm. Barbara Harris, in particular, shines as the fake psychic, providing much of the film’s comedic relief.
Hitchcock’s health was already becoming a concern during the filming. The director’s physical limitations required adjustments to his traditional filmmaking methods. He had to rely more on storyboards and pre-planning, and he often directed from a seated position. Despite these challenges, Hitchcock’s creative vision remained sharp, and he managed to deliver a film that, while perhaps not reaching the heights of his earlier work, is still unmistakably Hitchcockian. The meticulous attention to detail, the deliberate pacing, and the subtle manipulation of the audience’s emotions are all hallmarks of his distinctive style.
Family Plot: A Critical Retrospective
While Family Plot received mixed reviews upon its initial release, it has gained a more appreciative audience over time. Some critics argued that it lacked the intensity and psychological depth of Hitchcock’s earlier works. Others praised its clever plot twists, its engaging characters, and its dark humor.
Today, Family Plot is often viewed as a worthy, if somewhat understated, conclusion to Hitchcock’s career. It’s a film that showcases his versatility and his willingness to experiment with different genres and styles. It’s also a film that reminds us of the enduring power of his filmmaking techniques and his ability to create suspense, even in a seemingly lighthearted context.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Alfred Hitchcock’s Final Film
Here are some frequently asked questions about Alfred Hitchcock’s final film, Family Plot:
What year was ‘Family Plot’ released?
‘Family Plot’ was released in 1976.
What novel was ‘Family Plot’ based on?
The film was based on Victor Canning’s novel, ‘The Rainbird Pattern’.
Who starred in ‘Family Plot’?
The film stars Karen Black, Bruce Dern, Barbara Harris, and William Devane.
Was ‘Family Plot’ a critical success?
Reviews were mixed upon its initial release, but the film has gained a more positive reputation over time.
What genre would you classify ‘Family Plot’ as?
It’s a blend of suspense, thriller, caper film, and dark comedy.
Did Alfred Hitchcock have any health problems during the filming of ‘Family Plot’?
Yes, Hitchcock’s health was declining during the production, which necessitated some adjustments to his filmmaking methods.
Was ‘Family Plot’ Hitchcock’s last film ever made or was there another posthumous project?
‘Family Plot’ was Alfred Hitchcock’s last film ever made before his death in 1980. There were no posthumous projects that were released.
What is the ‘family plot’ actually referring to in the movie?
It refers to the secret plan and hidden identities of the characters. It is also, in a more literal sense, referring to the location in a cemetery where a ransom exchange takes place.
What makes ‘Family Plot’ different from other Hitchcock films?
It is lighter in tone and more comedic than many of his other suspense thrillers. The overt psychological complexities found in films such as ‘Vertigo’ are less pronounced here, making way for a more accessible and playful experience.
Where was ‘Family Plot’ filmed?
Principal filming locations were primarily in Los Angeles and San Francisco, California.
Are there any famous ‘Hitchcockian’ techniques present in ‘Family Plot’?
Yes, elements such as macguffins, suspenseful pacing, and ironic twists are all present, although perhaps in a more subtle and less impactful way compared to his earlier masterpieces. The film exemplifies how Hitchcock masterfully used suspense not just to shock, but also to draw out the nuances of human behavior.
Why is ‘Family Plot’ considered a significant film in Hitchcock’s oeuvre, despite not being his most famous?
While perhaps not as iconic as Psycho or Vertigo, Family Plot offers a valuable glimpse into the evolution of Hitchcock’s directorial style and demonstrates his ability to adapt to changing cinematic trends. It also underscores his ability to blend genres, injecting suspense into what, on the surface, appears to be a light-hearted caper. Its significance lies in its position as a testament to his enduring creativity and adaptability throughout his career.