Kramer vs. Kramer
Director: Robert Benton.
Screenplay: Robert Benton.
Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Justin Henry, Jane Alexander, George Coe, Howard Duff, JoBeth Williams, Bill Moor, Howland Chamberlain, Jack Ramage, Jess Osuna.
“Who’s gonna read me my bedtime stories?”
The 1970’s has always been a decade of film that I’ve never withheld my appreciation for. I’d go as far to say that’s it’s been the best in terms of America’s productivity. It was the decade where we were introduced to some of the finest screen actors in Robert DeNiro, Jack Nicholson & Al Pacino. We had films of such high calibre as The Godfather’s, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, Taxi Driver, Mean Streets, The Deer Hunter, Dog Day Afternoon. I could go on and on here but I mention this because Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep where another two of these marvellous performers and Kramer vs. Kramer one of the films that’s so often forgotten about.
Career man Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman) is so caught up with work that his wife Joanna (Meryl Streep) feels exhausted and unappreciated. She makes the decision to leave him but also decides to leave him with their six-year old son Billy (Justin Henry). Ted has to learn quickly how to be a hands-on father and by the time he gets the hang of it, Joanna reappears claiming custody of Billy.
As well as the 70’s being a strong decade, much admiration has also went to films in terms of Oscar sweeps. Only three films in the history of the Academy Awards have won all top five awards (Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress & Screenplay). If you consider Kramer vs. Kramer for a moment, most wouldn’t normally think that this film came close to that achievement. But it did. It won all of these awards with the exception of Best Actress. However, had Meryl Streep been considered in the leading actress category it might well have done. She won Best Supporting Actress instead, which makes this film very close to achieving the full house.
Resisting the temptation to be melodramatic, it’s a fairly straightforward family drama. Films of these types tend to fall into courtroom drama’s (of which this touches upon) but never falls prey to that sub-genre. The beauty in Kramer vs. Kramer is not to rely on high tension or confrontation but on the human aspect of relationships and family life. It emotionally resonates by showing us the everyday; heated discussions, playtimes, bedtime stories and frustrating meal times. It might not sound like much but there’s a real heartfelt authenticity in capturing these moments. Director Robert Benton, wisely, knows when to focus on his actors and has a marvellous ability to capture realism. As a result, he’s aided with some stunningly delivered performances; both Hoffman and Streep are at the very top of their game and young Justin Henry is no less their equal as their young afflicted son caught in the middle.
A beautifully realised dramatic piece that benefits from the whole cast and crew delivering honest work. It fully manages to capture and depict both the beauty and the difficulty of parenting and with a thoughtful intelligence, portrays the motivations and decisions from it’s characters without ever passing judgment. Another one of the decade’s true highlights.
Mark Walker
Trivia: The strength of the performances of the two lead actors can be at least partly attributed to what was going on in their private lives at the time. Hoffman was going through a marital separation and divorced his first wife soon after filming ended, contributing many personal moments and dialogue. Director Robert Benton, offered shared screenplay credit, but Hoffman turned it down. Meanwhile Streep was still recovering from the death of her lover, John Cazale.
MARKED MOVIES 
January 16, 2015 at 3:09 pm
Muckers – you know I’ve never seen this thing??
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January 16, 2015 at 3:11 pm
I wouldn’t be surprised if many have overlooked this one, man. It tends to be a film that a generation before us have appreciated. As family drama’s go, its one of the best. Absolutely superb!
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January 16, 2015 at 3:17 pm
Nice! Turning back the clock a bit. I actually rewatched this flick last year. First time seeing it in years. You nail my thoughts in your review. Still a very good film.
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January 16, 2015 at 3:21 pm
I caught it again last week, bro, and thought I’d do a quick review. It had been about 25 years since I seen it. It’s still as good as I remember it. Wonderfully acted and delivered by everyone.
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January 16, 2015 at 3:48 pm
A very sad movie. However, the performances make it great and a downright heartfelt tale. Good review Mark.
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January 16, 2015 at 4:43 pm
Cheers Dan. Definitely an emotional journey and Hoffman and Streep are outstanding. Some of their best work is on show here.
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January 16, 2015 at 4:21 pm
It’s been ages since I last saw this movie, but I remember Hoffman and Streep turning in excellent performances. Good review Mark.
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January 16, 2015 at 4:44 pm
I hadn’t seen it for years either, Vinnie. On a recent rewatch, it still holds up. And you remember correctly about Hoffman and Streep. They are both very, very good.
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January 16, 2015 at 6:27 pm
I haven’t seen this one, pretty impressive with the Oscars it won. There’s a lot of movies from the 70’s I should get around to some day. š Good review!
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January 16, 2015 at 6:43 pm
Yeah, it certainly swept the Oscars in 1979 but strangely gets overshadowed by the other 70’s classics. It’s a great movie, though.
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January 16, 2015 at 9:48 pm
Great review, Mark! Amazing film with incredible performances.
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January 16, 2015 at 11:14 pm
I know you’re quite partial to Ms. Streep, Fernando (as am I). She delivers some superb work here despite her minimal screen time. Hoffman is also superb. Just superb!
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January 19, 2015 at 5:08 pm
Yep. I agree. And though you WANT to hate Meryl’s character, she makes it very hard to, because she gives such a layered, complex performance.
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January 21, 2015 at 3:08 pm
Couldnt agree more! Its an astounding piece of work from Streep. You can feel her difficulty in the whole scenario but she also conveys a deeper love for Hoffman despite her being unable to live with him any longer.
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January 16, 2015 at 10:47 pm
Heard so many very positive things about Kramer Vs. Kramer. I need to do my homework and give it a look-see. How can I ignore it with that caliber cast??
Nice review as always d00d.
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January 16, 2015 at 11:17 pm
This was a “bite-sized” kinda review bud, but I had to say at least something on it. Its a great film. Considering the Oscars it took, im very surprised that it isn’t often remembered as one of the 70’s best. It’s a brilliant film, man. Please do check it out!
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January 18, 2015 at 5:38 pm
It’s been years since I’ve seen this. Very powerful stuff; probably wouldn’t get made these days.
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January 19, 2015 at 8:59 am
Never seen this but someone bought it for me a while ago saying I should see it. I’ll see if I can dig it out!
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January 21, 2015 at 3:00 pm
You should give it a go, Chris. One of the 70’s classics that too many people nowadays ignore. It packs a bit of an emotional wallop!
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January 19, 2015 at 5:34 pm
I love this movie. It’s so touching.
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January 21, 2015 at 3:32 pm
Touching indeed, Abbi. Downright heartbreaking at times.
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January 20, 2015 at 3:23 am
I saw this one ages ago but I always remember the scene when Hoffman carried his son who fell at a playground. It’s definitely a moving drama featuring two fantastic leads.
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January 21, 2015 at 3:33 pm
Yeah, that quite a scene that, Ruth. I think its shot in one long continous take (unless i just thought it was done like that). Great film and, like you say, Hoffman and Streep are fantastic.
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January 22, 2015 at 11:53 pm
Great comments, great movie
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January 23, 2015 at 12:13 am
Cheers Mark! Fabulous film, without a doubt!
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February 21, 2015 at 3:29 am
Wow, I can’t believe how long it has been since I’ve seen this film. I first saw it when I was about 13, while babysitting, and I can remember vividly even now how impressed I was with it. Chances are, I’d wager, that many of the adult nuances were probably lost on me, and so now I think I must have a re-watch, as a fully-fledged old person. Thanks Mark. I know you posted this a while back but it’s a great review.
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February 24, 2015 at 10:12 pm
Sorry for the late reply, V. I took some blogging days off. Anyway, thanks for stopping on this one. It’s a fabulous film and so well delivered by all involved that it reaches an emotional heft that few films manage. A true highlight from the 70’s in my opinion.
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September 25, 2015 at 4:59 pm
I really love this movie. Your review really highlights it’s strengths. I particularly like how you mention that the movie’s success is in large part thanks to the “honest” work done by those involved. That’s so true. Great post!
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September 25, 2015 at 8:41 pm
Thank Mel and thanks for taking the time to stop by and read. Kramer vs Kramer is one the best dysfunctional family dramas out there. In fact, it could be the one to beat. Both Hoffman and Steep are astoundingly good and really make this difficult and heartfelt film come together.
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September 25, 2015 at 11:59 pm
Anytime! I’m happy I came across your blog. I actually came here from Vinnie’s blog. He featured you in one of his recent posts (as I’m sure you know). You couldn’t be more right about this being the one to beat. Outstanding performances here.
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