Krippendorf's Tribe (1998)
A desperate widowed professor fakes an entire New Guinea tribe using his own children in this outrageous academic comedy from Touchstone Pictures.
Krippendorf's Tribe - Movie Information
- Original Title: Krippendorf's Tribe
- Release Year: 1998
- Directed by: Todd Holland
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Family
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 27, 1998 (United States - PG-13)
- Alternative Titles: Jagabongo (DE)
- Production Companies: Touchstone Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Krippendorf's Tribe - Plot
After squandering his grant money, despondent and recently widowed anthropologist James Krippendorf must produce hard evidence of the existence of a heretofore undiscovered New Guinea tribe. Grass skirts, makeup, and staged rituals transform his three troubled children into the Shelmikedmu, a primitive culture whose habits enthrall scholars. But when a spiteful rival threatens to blow the whistle on Krippendorf's ruse, he gets into the act as well.
Krippendorf's Tribe - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the chaos of Krippendorf's backyard anthropology unfold:
He's discovered the wildest tribe in his own backyard!
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Krippendorf's Tribe - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Todd Holland
Main Cast
- Richard Dreyfuss
- Jenna Elfman
- Zakes Mokae
- Siobhan Fallon Hogan
- Natasha Lyonne
- Gregory Smith
- Lily Tomlin
- Stephen Root
- Elaine Stritch
- Mila Kunis
Writers
- Charlie Peters
Producers
- Larry Brezner
Krippendorf's Tribe - FAQs
Is Krippendorf's Tribe based on a true story?
No, Krippendorf's Tribe is not based on a true story. It is adapted from a 1994 comic novel of the same name by Frank Parkin. The story of a professor fabricating an entire New Guinea tribe using his own children is entirely fictional, though it satirizes real academic culture and anthropological fieldwork.
Who are the main actors in Krippendorf's Tribe?
Krippendorf's Tribe stars Richard Dreyfuss as the scheming Professor Krippendorf, alongside Jenna Elfman, Lily Tomlin, Natasha Lyonne, Gregory Smith, Zakes Mokae, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Stephen Root, Elaine Stritch, and a young Mila Kunis in an early screen role.
What is the hoax at the center of the film?
Professor Krippendorf spent his research grant without conducting any fieldwork, so he invents a fictional New Guinea tribe called the Shelmikedmu. He dresses his three children in grass skirts and body paint, films staged rituals in his backyard, and presents the footage to the academic community as genuine anthropological discovery.
Where can I stream Krippendorf's Tribe?
Krippendorf's Tribe is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It is also available to stream for free on Hoopla, making it accessible without any additional purchase for library cardholders.
What is the age rating for Krippendorf's Tribe?
Krippendorf's Tribe is rated PG-13 in the United States. The rating reflects the film's adult comic situations, mild crude humor, and some suggestive content related to its anthropological satire, making it suitable for teenagers and adults rather than very young children.
Who directed Krippendorf's Tribe?
Krippendorf's Tribe was directed by Todd Holland, a filmmaker and television director known for his work on series such as Malcolm in the Middle and The Larry Sanders Show. The 1998 film was produced by Touchstone Pictures and written by Charlie Peters, adapting Frank Parkin's novel.
How long is Krippendorf's Tribe?
Krippendorf's Tribe has a runtime of 94 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 34 minutes. The film moves at a brisk comedic pace, fitting its farcical premise of an increasingly elaborate academic hoax that spirals further out of control with each new development.
What are some movies similar to Krippendorf's Tribe?
If you enjoyed Krippendorf's Tribe, you might also like Stranger Than Fiction (2006), Meet the Robinsons (2007), To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018), or Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988). For similar comedies involving elaborate deceptions, The Associate (1996) and Mean Girls (2004) are also worth exploring.
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