The Addams Family (1991)

[5]

Barry Sonnenfeld makes the leap from established cinematographer (Misery, Raising Arizona) to first-time director with The Addams Family. Screenwriter Caroline Thompson (Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas) creates a feature scenario around Charles Addams macabre cartoon characters, popularized in the ’60s by their TV adaptation. In Thompson’s script, beloved Uncle Fester has been missing for years, leaving a hole in the dark heart of the Addams clan. When a con woman realizes her oafish son looks just like him, he poses as Fester so they they can inherit the Addams fortune. But things become complicated when the family becomes suspicious about his claims.

The Addams Family is beautifully designed and spectacularly cast. Anjelica Huston and Raul Julia are perfect as Morticia and Gomez, the sado-masochistic, eternally romantic heads of the household. Both demonstrate remarkable control of their vocalizations and body movements to bring these well-known, larger-than-life characters to their first big-screen adventure. Christopher Lloyd is a natural for Uncle Fester and Christina Ricci nearly steals the show as young Wednesday Addams. Marc Shaiman’s lively score is another highlight of the movie.

Unfortunately, it’s Thompson’s screenplay that hinders The Addams Family. As well-crafted and performed as the movie is, it simply isn’t as funny as it could have been. The story is set primarily in the Addams mansion, with their bizarre rituals and behavior serving as our starting point. I think it might have worked better for the audience to experience the Addams Family through the eyes of a more ‘normal’ character, with the laughter coming more from that person’s reactions to things instead of the family itself. The funniest parts of the movie are indeed during a couple of the family’s interactions with the neighborhood. Wednesday and Pugsly’s hijacking of the school play is by far the funniest and most memorable moment.

With Elizabeth Wilson, Dan Hedaya, Carel Struycken, Paul Benedict, and Jimmy Workman.

Oscar Nomination: Best Costume Design