One must be realistic-- the plot of "The Stepford Wives" is not all that brilliant, or even unique. It deals with the same themes as much better movies have featured. Yet there is something appealing about this film.
I think that much credit should go to director Forbes for making such a strange concept so enjoyable. He deals with the material with just the right touch-- he does not take it too seriously, which is perfect for the tone of the film. He does not attempt to give you any great scares, but he lets the creepy clues haunt you until you figure out what's going on. And there are some memorable moments: i. e., a scene in which one of the housewives acts very oddly at a friendly picnic. The performances, too, are worth note. Katharine Ross, despite her character's somewhat obnoxious behavior on various occasions, is quite appealing by the end. And both the direction and acting on the part of the blandly happy, slavish housewives is quite effective. The film's only real shortcoming, that detracts from its status as an well-made chiller is the unimaginative conclusion. It left me, at least, rather unsatisfied. But still, "The Stepford Wives" is a nicely wrapped little package, if the package only contains fluffy material.
I think that much credit should go to director Forbes for making such a strange concept so enjoyable. He deals with the material with just the right touch-- he does not take it too seriously, which is perfect for the tone of the film. He does not attempt to give you any great scares, but he lets the creepy clues haunt you until you figure out what's going on. And there are some memorable moments: i. e., a scene in which one of the housewives acts very oddly at a friendly picnic. The performances, too, are worth note. Katharine Ross, despite her character's somewhat obnoxious behavior on various occasions, is quite appealing by the end. And both the direction and acting on the part of the blandly happy, slavish housewives is quite effective. The film's only real shortcoming, that detracts from its status as an well-made chiller is the unimaginative conclusion. It left me, at least, rather unsatisfied. But still, "The Stepford Wives" is a nicely wrapped little package, if the package only contains fluffy material.