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Kramer vs. Kramer—A Movie Review

This film is a great example for parents who are raising their children alone.

By Marielle SabbagPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
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Is the best way to make french toast to dip it in a small cup of egg yolk and enjoy it like that? That’s a question for Dustin Hoffman and Justin Henry.

Kramer vs. Kramer is a 1979 drama directed by Robert Benton. Upon the sudden leaving of his wife, a father is left to take care of his son. As he struggles and learns to be both roles of a parent, a battle of custody ensues upon the return of his wife.

The film is both heartwarming and heart wrenching to watch. It does ask a valuable question regarding the roles of a husband and wife. I enjoyed watching how Ted (Dustin Hoffman) becomes closer to his son, Billy. If his wife hadn’t left he would never have developed a strong relationship with Billy.

Starring as Ted Kramer, I think this is one of the first occasions where I witnessed Hoffman in a serious role. I even forgot that it was him in some scenes. As I have said acting takes years of training. Acting is a plethora of different definitions and techniques. At some point in our acting careers, we need to test our own abilities, both comedic and dramatic.

Kramer vs. Kramer is one of Meryl Streep’s early movies in her career. Streep’s performance as Joanna Kramer is genuine. She portrayed the character in a very natural way, not too dramatic, and not too overdone. Unlike her appearances in films now, in my opinion, Streep was actually acting whereas she performs as too over the top, and an automatic scene-stealer even before the movie is released.

Don’t get me wrong, Streep is an amazing actress and I love watching her in movies, but I enjoy her older pictures where she was just starting off as an actress.

Unfortunately, Hoffman and Streep did not get along so well behind the camera. Remember that scene where Hoffman smashes his wine glass against the wall at that restaurant? He never informed Streep, scaring her half to death.

The two were also dealing with their own divorces or death of a loved one in their true persons. That’s a valuable lesson for audiences to note that while actors shine on camera, their lives may not off screen. We’re all people living life.

At such a young age, Justin Henry did an outstanding job as Billy. For a film with a very serious subject matter, Henry carried through and sold an epic performance. The whole scene where Billy steals a taste of ice cream was improvised.

The most memorable scene will always be the epic trial scene in the battle of custody. As an audience member whose side are you on? The film would have been very different if we followed Streep’s story. We would not have the movie today where a father discovers the love he never knew he had for his son.

Kramer vs. Kramer works just fine as a comedy and a drama. One of my favorite scenes will always be Dustin Hoffman attempting to make french toast in a coffee cup. An also a delightful scene where Billy meets one of his dad's coworkers. I won’t say anymore as it is one of the funniest scenes in the film.

Direction, film editing, and cinematography are all beautiful and puts together a masterpiece of a film. Nobody can work in a film alone. The same goes for the theater where not only the actors but the whole technical crew works together to make a story come to life for all audiences.

This film is a great example for parents who are raising their children alone. It’s never easy, but you can build a routine, along with a newfound love and understanding for your children. Vice versa, too.

Kramer vs. Kramer is an insightful movie that you have to give a chance. The performances by Hoffman, Streep, and Henry are outstanding. This film would not be what it is today without their memorable performances.

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About the Creator

Marielle Sabbag

Writing has been my passion since I was 11 years old. I love creating stories from fiction, poetry, fanfiction. I enjoy writing movie reviews. I would love to become a creative writing teacher and leave the world inspiring minds.

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