Review of Family Plot (1976) by Luke J — 13 Jan 2009

This one is shaky. The first part of the movie we are told several times the same bits of information. This, of course, is very UN-Hithcock. Karen Black has little to nothing to do as Fran. This one probably wont be enjoyed by anyone other than Hitchcock fanatics (like myself).

There are flourishes of humor throughout, and a very good scene in which Dern and Harris story intersects early on with Devane and Blacks story; however, the whole picture seems more like a sketch than a realized, uh, plot.

I say again, this will probably only appeal to those who have already seen the classics: Rear Window, Vertigo, Psycho, The Birds, Rebecca, The 39 Steps, Rope, The Lady Vanishes, Frenzy, Strangers on a Train, and Notorious (to name a few).

Once youve whittled your way down to Topaz and Jamaica Inn, you might want to watch this one.