KRAMER VS. KRAMER

Review: Ted Kramer learns that his wife is leaving him and also leaves her son behind. Ted loses his job and is forced to raise his son alone but the relationship between themselves grows stronger. Ted’s wife returns and they both end up battling for custody of their son.
Director: Robert Benton
Actors: Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Jane Alexander, Justin Henry, Howard Duff, George Coe, JoBeth Williams, Howland Chamberlain, Jess Osuna and Nicholas Hormann
Year: 1979
Genre: Drama
Conclusion: 4/5
Based on a 1977 novel by Avery Corman. A very impressive film. I enjoyed the music during the opening credits which was Antonio Vivaldi’s Mandolin Concerto. I personally think that this is one of Dustin Hoffman’s best performances in a film. I think he outshines Meryl Streep in this although she is amazing. What I liked about this film is that the two characters are both treated sympathetically. Another thing I liked about this film was that you could see both sides of the story. Both parents express what they think is best for them, their marriage and also the little child that they have. I found myself thinking about these people days after watching the film. It is as if you know the characters and you want to help them. At the time of filming, Dustin Hoffman himself was in the midst of a messy divorce. Al Pacino and Jon Voight were both offered the roles of Ted Kramer but both turned it down. Also, Goldie Hawn and Jane Fonda were both offered the role of Joanna Kramer but turned the roles down. Meryl Streep wrote her own courtroom speech as she wasn’t satisfied with the way it was originally written. I found this to be a very touching and moving film. This is a film that once you watch it it is going to stay with you forever and never forget. A film you can still watch in this modern-day era and still enjoy. At the Academy Awards in 1980 this won 5 Oscar Awards. They were for Best Picture, Best Actor in a Leading Role (Dustin Hoffman), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Meryl Streep), Best Director and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium. At the Golden Globe Awards in 1980 this won 4 Awards. They were for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama (Dustin Hoffman), Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Motion Picture (Meryl Streep), Best Screenplay – Motion Picture and Best Motion Picture – Drama.