Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Kramer vs. Kramer
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This, as is turns out, is one of my mother's favorite movies, for Dustin Hoffman's performance and the character he plays. She is of the generation who considers men a little retarded (as compared to women), naturally thoughtless, not very quick, but necessary. "They have their place and are potentially redeemable" would be an excellent summation of her thoughts on men.
Interestingly, she seems not to notice Meryl Streep's character and her actions in regards to the shared child at all. I think this is a reflection of the fact that, for much of Mom's adult life, women were the do-it-alls and men were the family-moneytary-supports, so, you know, "we" know how much women do. We don't need to rehash it. "We" also know how little of consequence men do. That deserves some contemplation.
She also likes the boy, especially when he's being difficult.
She has never, by the way, expressed any opinion about the couple's divorce proceedings.
I like this movie, too. For some reason, the Bach guitar at the beginning imprinted on me.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Dustin Hoffman Ted Kramer Meryl Streep Joanna Kramer Justin Henry Billy Kramer Jane Alexander Margaret Phelps Howard Duff John Shaunessy George Coe Jim O'Connor JoBeth Williams Phyllis Bernard Howland Chamberlain Judge Atkins
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1979
Directed by Robert Benton.
Labels: dramaA, gender-bender, meryl-streep
