Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)

This is probably one of the best films to end the 1970’s. Sure, the previous year held "The Deer Hunter" (1978), also with Meryl Streep, but this film really springs forth debate on the questionable morays of the family unit. The 1960’s provided a time for change, and families began changing from the cookie cutter suburbia to individuals who had actual problems. Of course, I generalize, but "Kramer vs. Kramer" is an admirable film. It both defies and abounds by conventional storytelling.

The main character is Ted Kramer (played by the amiable Dustin Hoffman), a self purporting creative art magazine editor. He just got a brand new, big name, large lucrative account that he will be heading and everything seems to be going his way. Then Joanna Kramer (Meryl Streep), his wife, leaves him and his first grade kid to fend for themselves. The main story is between Ted Kramer and his son Billy (played by Justin Henry, who also got nominated for Best Supporting Actor being the youngest actor to ever get nominated) and how their relationship has been mediated by the woman in their life. Once she is gone, Ted is forced to be involved in his son’s life at a higher level than ever before.

At one point, Kramer drops off his son at the school, and before asking a teacher to escort Billy to class, he asks him, “What grade are you in?” It seems ludicrous that a father wouldn’t know what grade in school his son was in, but as Kramer often and not-so-subtly puts it, he was ‘bringing home the bacon.’ That is a strong theme in the picture, as Kramer slowly begins to realize that not only has to bring it home, but he also has to cook it and feed it to his son, which brings to mind a fairly humorous scene where Kramer tells his son he can’t eat chocolate chip ice cream until he has eaten his frozen dinner.

The film brings out originality that has been copied by many others to this day. No doubt, the performances by Hoffman and Streep and Henry are excellent. Not to mention the next door neighbor Margaret Phelps (Jane Alexander) who becomes very good friends with Ted as he is bringing up his son. Alas, all is not what it seems, and Streep comes back into the picture, this time wanting to take custody of her son because she loves him so. Thus, the title "Kramer vs. Kramer," alluding to a courthouse drama is unfolded and the story takes a very interesting turn.

Overall, the film was very enjoyable, but if you’re looking for a court house case drama, I would highly recommend the Sindey Lumet classic "12 Angry Men" (1957). A fine film to end the decade featuring great performances and a very memorable story.

Rating: 8.5/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 88%

PG: Adult Language, Brief Nudity, Adult Situations, Questionable for Children)

Awards: Best Actor (Hoffman). Best Actress (Streep). Best Director: Robert Benton. Best Picture: Stanley R. Jaffe. Best Adapted Screenplay: Robert Benton