“Homebodies” is a 1974 horror-comedy about elderly apartment tenants who refuse to leave despite their building’s scheduled demolition. They are like cockroaches in their refusal to budge, until they become deadly (and hilarious) squatters.
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Review
Homebodies: A Story of Isolation and Connection
In the age of social media and virtual connections, it’s rare to find a movie that focuses on the beauty of human interactions that happen in our own physical spaces. Homebodies is a 1974 American black comedy film directed by Larry Yust, which tells a story about a group of elderly people who refuse to leave their New York City apartment complex despite it being sold to developers.
The storyline revolves around the seven seniors who giggle, play cards, drink tea and avoid the outside world while their building is destined for demolition. They use every trick in the book to keep their beloved home but ultimately end up drawing attention they never wanted.
The film is both hilarious and heart-wrenching – showcasing the depth of human emotions even in unexpected settings. This dark comedy tackles some of modern society’s issues that still resonate today, such as isolation, gentrification, loneliness, community connection and aging.
When it comes to plot, Homebodies takes a unique approach by focusing on characters who are often overlooked or ignored by society as a whole. The cast is comprised exclusively of seniors with no famous names or faces but they still manage to deliver heartfelt performances that pack an emotional punch.
The characters are complex yet endearing in their quirks and habits. Among them are Mrs. Ethel Sump (Peggy Feury), an elderly woman who suffers from paranoia; her sister Jenny Lamont (Ruth McDevitt), who tries her best to keep Ethel calm; Mildred Nash (Geraldine Fitzgerald), the leader of the group with an iron will and sharp tongue; her husband Albert (William Hansen), whose loyalty lies with his wife; Walter Fletcher (Peter Brocco), a quiet man with hidden talents; Josephine Flood (Belita Moreno), a strong-willed woman with no filter; and John Paul Jones (Sterling Holloway), a former sailor with a jolly personality.
Homebodies addresses the issue of isolation, which feels more relevant than ever, especially after a year of social distancing and quarantine. The film depicts how the characters create their own community within their apartments and how they cherish the place they call home. They find solace in each other’s company, support each other through hard times, and celebrate together the small joys in life.
The film also touches on the topic of gentrification. The senior citizens’ apartment complex had been sold to developers who wish to demolish it for modernization. The group stands against this change that would not only destroy their home but also displace them from their community. The movie highlights how gentrification can be harmful to vulnerable groups while prioritizing economic growth.
The score and popularity of Homebodies have stood the test of time since its release nearly five decades ago. The music is minimal but effective with a soundtrack that alternates between eerie tunes during suspenseful moments and upbeat jazzy melodies during lighter scenes.
The cinematography is remarkable as well, with shots that capture the cramped spaces in which these characters spend their days. The camera work successfully conveys both the isolation and tight-knit nature of their micro-community.
When it comes to evaluation, Homebodies has garnered mixed reviews from critics over time. Some have praised the movie for its unique take on themes such as aging and isolation, while others have criticized it for being slow-paced or overly dark.
Despite such criticism, Homebodies was awarded Best Original Score by Marvin Hamlisch at the 1975 Academy Awards – further cementing its place in cinematic history.
The production process of Homebodies was challenging but fascinating as well. Filming took place inside an actual building slated for demolition – adding an authentic atmosphere to the entire project. Due to budget constraints, most of the cast members were unknown actors, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it brought more attention to the script and direction.
According to archives, during filming, there was a moment where a passerby who thought something was genuinely wrong with the elderly actors – calling the police. The crew had to explain that they were filming a movie and it wasn’t an emergency.
Homebodies is not without its criticism, however. Some viewers may find certain aspects of the film distasteful or problematic. For instance, the portrayal of Mrs Ethel Sump’s paranoia as comedic seems insensitive, especially considering how mental health is often stigmatized in society.
Nevertheless, Homebodies remains an intriguing movie that beautifully captures human connections in unexpected places. Director Larry Yust masterfully navigates themes of isolation and community with a mixture of heart and dark humor. It’s a reminder that even when we’re feeling alone or disconnected from society – it’s possible to find meaning and connection right in our own homes. In hindsight, it’s ironic how Homebodies appreciates social connections formed within physical spaces, given how our world has moved on from this very idea in light of global pandemic forcing people into virtual isolation and remote work-life.
As Mildred Nash (Geraldine Fitzgerald) says in one memorable scene: “We are living here so we won’t die lonely.” This quote encapsulates the heart of Homebodies – reminding us all that even when faced with adversity – we are better together than apart.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 96
- Release : 1974-09-01
- Genre : Comedy, Horror
- Cast : Peter Brocco as Mr. Blakely, Frances Fuller as Miss Emily, William Hansen as Mr. Sandy, Ruth McDevitt as Mrs. Loomis, Paula Trueman as Mattie
- Crew : Isidore Mankofsky as Director of Photography, Larry Yust as Screenplay, Larry Yust as Director, Howard Kaminsky as Screenplay, Bennett Sims as Screenplay
- Popularity 1.594
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Cinema Entertainment
- Summary : When a quiet group of pensioners learn that their homes are to be torn down to make way for a block of flats, they decide to take action. What starts as an attempt to discourage the developers soon escalates into wholesale murder of both the developers and the construction workers.
- Tagline : Do You Know Where Your Grandmother Is Tonight?
