The Stepford Wives (1975)

Note des utilisateurs:

6.9/10   

Réalisateur:

Bryan Forbes

Writers:

Ira Levin (novel)
William Goldman (screenplay)

Release Date:

12 février 1975 (USA)

Genre:

Fantasy | Mystery | Thriller

Accroche:

Something strange is happening in the town of Stepford.

Plot:

Joanna Eberhart has come to the quaint little town of Stepford, Connecticut with her family, but soon discovers there lies a sinister truth in the all too perfect behavior of the female residents.

Plot Keywords:

Robot | Cleaning | Housework | Photographer | Secret

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

Avis des utilisateurs:

Superb, Timeless Chiller

Ensemble

Katharine Ross	...	Joanna Eberhart
Paula Prentiss	...	Bobbie Markowe
Peter Masterson	...	Walter Eberhart
Nanette Newman	...	Carol Van Sant
Tina Louise	...	Charmaine Wimpiris
Carol Eve Rossen	...	Dr. Fancher (as Carol Rossen)
William Prince	...	Ike Mazzard
Carole Mallory	...	Kit Sunderson
Toni Reid	...	Marie Axhelm
Judith Baldwin	...	Patricia Cornell
Barbara Rucker	...	Mary Ann Stravros
George Coe	...	Claude Axhelm
Franklin Cover	...	Ed Wimpiris
Robert Fields	...	Raymond Chandler
Michael Higgins	...	Mr. Cornell

Autre(s) titre(s):

Le mystère Stepford (France) (video title) [fr]
Les femmes de Stepford (France) (DVD title) [fr]

Durée:

115 min | UK:100 min (2004 DVD release) | UK:110 min (2001 DVD release)

Pays:

USA

Langue:

Anglais

Couleur:

Couleur (TVC)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Son:

Mono

Classification:

Canada:PG (Ontario) | Iceland:16 | Australia:M | Norway:15 | Sweden:15 | UK:15 | USA:PG | Singapore:PG

Emplacements De Pelliculage:

Darien, Connecticut, USA

Company:

Fadsin Cinema Associates

Anecdotes:

Director Bryan Forbes claims Diane Keaton turned the role of Joanna down the night before signing her contract, because her analyst got "bad vibes" from the script.

Goofs:

Continuity: As the Eberharts enter Stepford for the first time riding in their station wagon, Joanna's head scarf disappears and reappears several times as the scenes change.

Guillemet:

Charmaine Wimperis: [referring to the Men's Association] I'll admit it's unfair and sexist, but FRANKLY, ANYTHING that gets him out of the house at night is fine with me.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Glass House: The Good Mother (2006) (V)

Superb, Timeless Chiller

This film's lack of urgency is what makes it chillingly effective. Patiently, director Forbes creates unbearable tension by simply taking baby steps when it comes to character development and plot twists. It is a time capsule, but one whose artistry alone has kept it alive and relevant. It was meant to be a social critique, but I think it is phenomenally successful as both a very dark black comedy and as a horror movie. Forbes accentuates the story's strong stand against conservative values and complacency, without ever neglecting the dark, horrific elements found in the story. Also, it is savagely funny once you know the punch line. Katherine Ross is excellent as the movie's heroine, and Paula Prentiss steals every scene she's in as Ross' friend and confidant. Kudos to Owen Roizman's antiseptic cinematography, Michael Small's chilling score and Timothy Gee's meticulous editing. William Goldman's script is also top class. A film that deserves its cult status. Atrociously remade by Frank Oz in 2004.