The Family Fang (2015)

A brother and sister return to their family home in search of their world famous parents who have disappeared.

Director:

Jason Bateman

Writers:

Kevin Wilson (based on the book by), David Lindsay-Abaire (screenplay)

Stars:

Jason Bateman, Nicole Kidman, Kathryn Hahn

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Nicole Kidman	...	Annie Fang
Jason Bateman	...	Baxter Fang
Kathryn Hahn	...	Young Camille
Christopher Walken	...	Caleb Fang
Marin Ireland	...	Suzanne Crosby
Alexandra Wentworth	...	Sally Schiff
Harris Yulin	...	Hobart Waxman
Claire Glassford	...	Chicken Queen Cashier
Jason Butler Harner	...	Young Caleb
Michael Chernus	...	Kenny
Josh Pais	...	Freeman
Scott Shepherd	...	Art Critic Matt Lovisek
Linda Emond	...	Miss Delano
Charlie Saxton	...	Chicken Queen Manager
Maryann Plunkett	...	Camille Fang

Storyline

Annie and Baxter, the adult children of the controversial husband and wife conceptual performance art couple famous for their quirky macabre public performances, have never got over the fact that their parents kept using them during their childhood in their often gory and disturbing satirical public performances. They often clash with their now elderly parents over this and blame them for their problems in their adult life. However, the two become worried when they're told by the police that their parents have gone missing during their trip outside of town. The brother considers the possibility that something horrible might have happened to them, but the sister is convinced that it's just another one of their stupid games or twisted conceptual performances. She convinces him that they should go and look for them themselves.

---

Plot Keywords:

friar lawrence character | search | macabre art | controversial artist | conceptual art | 

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Mystery

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 May 2016 (USA)

Also Known As:

Cenas de Família

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$14,506, 1 May 2016, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$240,067, 22 May 2016

Company Credits

Production Co:

Aggregate Films, Red Crown Productions, Blossom Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Nicole Kidman missed the world premiere of the film at Toronto Film Festival, despite her dedicated involvement with it, because she was busy with her West End play "Photograph 51" in London.

---

Goofs

When she arrives home there is 5 messages on phone. She listens only to 4, ignoring the last one. It could be vital.

---

Quotes

Baxter Fang: Don't be afraid. Own the moment. If you're in control then the chaos will happen around you and not to you.

---

Connections

Featured in Half in the Bag: 2016 Movie Catch-up (2016)

---

Soundtracks

2. Adagio Un Poco Mosso [Beethoven: Piano Concerto NO. 5 in E Flat Major Op. 73 - Emperor]
(uncredited)
Performed by Vladimir Ashkenazy, Wiener Philharmoniker, Zubin Mehta

User Reviews

A Near-Perfect Comedy-Drama!

Based on the 2011 novel of the same name by Kevin Wilson, 'The Family Fang' by Jason Bateman, is a wonder of a film. No kidding, this is a sublime film, about family & the importance of parenthood. This One's A Near-Perfect Comedy-Drama!

'The Family Fang' Synopsis: A brother and sister return to their family home in search of their world famous parents who have disappeared.

'The Family Fang' is a quietly devastating film, on how important it is to be a good parent, in order to raise their children sane. In here, the unsettled protagonists (Bateman, Nicole Kidman, in Pure Oscar Peak Form), are a victim of unusual parents (Christopher Walken & Maryann Plunkett, both brilliant). They are not your regular parents, they are attention seekers, who find Art in the Reality of Life. They put up gigs (not even one of which shows any signs of entertainment, but of rather fright) & they swear to live by it, in extreme measures. Its a devastating journey to see this family so distort, torn between love, commitment & art.

David Lindsay-Abaire's Adapted Screenplay is superior in all terms. 'The Family Fang' is essentially a comedy, with some dark, dramatic undertones. I was engrossed & heartbroken by the struggle of its scarred protagonist. 'The Family Fang' is about artistry gone too far & how a family is only a family, when you treat it like one. Bateman's Direction is Brilliant. He takes charge of the narrative & doesn't let you go. Take a bow, Mr.Batemen!

The Fangs aren't particularly normal, but nor is their journey. Don't Miss It!