Main Cast and Character Breakdown
The 2013 crime comedy The Family features a prominent ensemble led by Robert De Niro as the patriarch Fred Blake, a former Mafia boss relocated under the Witness Protection Program. Michelle Pfeiffer portrays his wife Maggie, while Dianna Agron and John D'Leo play their children Belle and Warren. The supporting cast includes Tommy Lee Jones as FBI agent Robert Stansfield, whose pursuit of the family drives much of the film's tension. The film is based on the French novel Malavita by Tonino Benacquista and was adapted for the screen by Luc Besson. For background on the production companies and financing, see the official studio information on Universal Pictures.
Each cast member's character reflects a specific narrative function within the family's relocation to Normandy, France. De Niro's Fred struggles to maintain his criminal instincts while adhering to FBI rules, and Pfeiffer's Maggie manages the family's cover as the owners of a local restaurant. Agron's Belle navigates adolescence and a secret relationship, while D'Leo's Warren becomes entangled in small-time local crime. Jones' Stansfield serves as the primary antagonist, representing the law closing in on the family. For more on the box office performance and production budget, check the financial summary on Forbes.
Production Companies and Key Crew
The Family was produced by Relativity Media and EuropaCorp, with Luc Besson serving as both writer and producer. The film was directed by Luc Besson and distributed by Universal Pictures in the United States. The cinematography was handled by Thierry Arbogast, a frequent collaborator of Besson, and the score was composed by Evgueni Galperine and Sacha Galperine. The production budget was reported at approximately $52 million. For details on the companies involved, visit the SEC filings for Relativity Media where available.
Behind the camera, the crew included editor Julien Rey, production designer Olivier Raoux, and costume designer Catherine Bouchard. The film was shot partly on location in Normandy, France, which provided the backdrop for the family's new life. The casting process emphasized actors with both dramatic credibility and comedic timing, a choice reflected in the ensemble's performance. For more on the production timeline and financial details, see the Box Office Mojo page for The Family.
Box Office and Critical Reception
The Family grossed approximately $78 million worldwide against its $52 million budget, making it a moderate commercial success. The film received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for the performances of De Niro and Pfeiffer but criticism for its uneven tone. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a score in the mid-40s percent range based on aggregated critic reviews. For financial analysis and industry context, see the coverage on Forbes.
The cast's individual performances were highlighted in reviews, with De Niro's portrayal of a reluctant gangster in suburban France noted as a standout. Pfeiffer's role as the composed and protective matriarch drew attention for its subtlety, while Agron's turn as the rebellious teenage daughter added a layer of emotional conflict. The film's marketing emphasized the contrast between the family's violent past and their quiet life in Normandy. For more on the film's reception and legacy, visit the Rotten Tomatoes page for The Family.