While the Addams Family is undeniably iconic in American pop culture, their brilliance, especially Gomez Addams, often feels underappreciated. After revisiting The Addams Family (1991) and The Addams Family Values (1993), it’s clear these films, and Raul Julia’s portrayal of Gomez, deserve even more acclaim. The magnetic energy of Morticia, Gomez, Wednesday, and Pugsley is infectious, leaving you yearning for more of their live-action adventures.
Every member of the Addams household is legendary, but Gomez Addams, brought to life by the unforgettable Raul Julia, truly steals the show. Julia’s charismatic performance, combined with brilliant writing, creates a Gomez who is captivatingly unique. He shatters conventional husband stereotypes: he adores Morticia, champions his children’s individuality, and openly cherishes his brother Fester. Gomez doesn’t just live in his world; he is the world, and we are all fortunate to witness it.
Raul Julia as Gomez Addams, looking dapper in a pinstripe suit, with a mischievous smile.
Let’s delve into the cornerstone of Gomez’s character: his passionate romance with Morticia Addams. Their relationship redefines on-screen love. Morticia fondly recalls their meet-cute at a funeral, a darkly perfect beginning for a couple who revels in the macabre. Despite their fascination with death, Gomez and Morticia embody a remarkably healthy and egalitarian relationship, a refreshing anomaly in 90s cinema. This progressive theme extends to Wednesday’s relationship with Joel in The Addams Family Values. There are no toxic tropes here; both couples showcase grounded relationships, albeit with delightfully eccentric romantic gestures.
Gomez consistently strives to romance his wife. The palpable sexual tension between them is not just hinted at; it’s a vibrant, ongoing element of their dynamic, capable of making any viewer blush. Such consistent and overt intimacy between a married couple, especially in a Halloween-themed film about a spooky family, is incredibly rare and wonderfully subversive. Gomez eagerly embraces Morticia’s seductive challenges, often escalating them. Their kisses frequently involve dramatic dips and passionate embraces, executed in public with no restraint. He openly ballroom dances with her, unafraid to display the enormity of his love. Gomez would, and proclaims he would, die for Morticia – repeatedly. His actions leave no doubt about the depth of his devotion.
Instead of resorting to typical displays of toxic masculinity when frustrated, Gomez’s outlet is remarkably quirky: model trains. In the first film, as he suspects Fester’s true identity, he vents his frustration to Thing, the family’s sentient hand-pet, by furiously racing his model train. This coping mechanism, triggered by extreme anger, is so distinct that the family immediately recognizes something is amiss upon hearing the train’s frantic pace. Gomez actively chooses a non-violent, non-destructive way to process complex emotions, a stark contrast to stereotypical masculine rage.
A still from The Addams Family movie showing Gomez Addams looking concerned while playing with a model train set.
Gomez Addams is always impeccably dressed, radiating confidence and charisma at any hour. His extravagant romantic gestures are a testament to his deep love for Morticia, and he relentlessly protects his family’s well-being and happiness. Gomez is intelligent, emotionally mature, and unapologetically himself, defying rigid masculine norms. This is an ode to Gomez Addams and Raul Julia: thank you for the laughter and the heart.
