Robert Benton’s (Nobody’s Fool) Kramer vs. Kramer is a drama based on the novel of the same name written by Avery Corman. It stars Dustin Hoffman as Ted Kramer, an advertising executive, and Meryl Streep as Joanna, his wife who is a stay-at-home mom. In the opening scenes, Ted is at work celebrating a promotion and a huge new account while Joanna is at home packing a bag to leave him and seek a divorce. Their seven-year-old son, Billy (Justin Henry), gets short shrift when Joanna not only leaves Ted behind, but she decides to leave Billy behind, as well.
Buy Kramer vs. Kramer Blu-rayA year and a half pass with Ted slowly losing his way at work as he navigates raising his son on his own. Joanna sends Billy occasional letters and cards but is basically absent until she returns unexpectedly to announce she is suing Ted for custody of their son. Having to prepare for a court battle is even worse for Ted’s work performance and he soon finds himself fired with just a week before sitting in front of a judge. It is just days before Christmas vacation, but he tells his lawyer he will find a new job within 24 hours. Though he is successful, he has to take a pay cut, leading to Joanna’s lawyer accusing him of being the only guy he knows who is working his way down the ladder.
Kramer vs. Kramer is incredibly well written and there is never a sour note. The three main performances, though, are what led to the accolades that garnered a win for Best Picture at the Oscars. Also, Dustin Hoffman won Best Actor, Meryl Streep won Best Supporting Actress, and Justin Henry still holds the record for the youngest actor ever nominated for an Academy Award (Best Supporting Actor) at the age of eight. Streep doesn’t really do a whole lot more than weep through the movie, but her emotional depth and motives to leave her husband and child are very compelling. Also, the complexities of who makes a better parent, mom or dad, are still relevant and interesting today.
