‘If I am wrong, I’m insane… but if I’m right, it’s even worse than if I was wrong...’
The concept of The Stepford Wives has become more ubiquitous than the actual film that introduced the idea (or indeed, the book upon which it is based). It’s one of those phrases that people throw around whether they have seen the film or not, or even if they are aware of the film or not. This is because it really is an ingenious premise…
When the Eberharts move from the city to the idyllic town of Stepford. Everything seems perfect. As Joanna (Katharine Ross) begins to scratch below the surface, however, it seems the women of the town are a little too perfect. Joanna’s husband Walter (Peter Masterson) tries to soothe her misgivings whilst her friend Bobby (Paula Prentiss) is her only confidante.
The Stepford Wives was originally a novel by Ira Levin, the same man who brought us Rosemary’s Baby. And like Rosemary’s Baby, Bryan Forbes’ film (from a screenplay by William Goldman) explores the suffocation of suburbia and the insidious underbelly of society. Katharine Ross’ Joanna is not a million miles away from Mia Farrow’s Rosemary. Both are demoralised and worn down by the men in their life. Both are at the centre of a terrible conspiracy. And yet, The Stepford Wives is more than just a countryside remake of Rosemary’s Baby. It’s too clever for that.
Despite almost touching two hours, Forbes’ masterful control of pacing ensures that The Stepford Wives remains captivating and compelling throughout. Aided by a sympathetic performance from Ross, and some good work from cinematographer Owen Roizman (who also worked on Network and The Exorcist), Forbes’ film deserves to be mentioned alongside the greats of ’70s horror. And make no bones about it, this is undoubtedly a horror film. The chilling conclusion ensures that. It is also worth pointing out that this film bears more than a passing resemblance to Get Out – widely considered one of the best horror films ever made.
The Stepford Wives has passed into folklore because of its concept. Let us not forget that it is also a great film in its own right. Underrated.