Kramer vs. Kramer : a great drama about a family that is tearing itself apart
Kramer vs. Kramer (1980) it’s one of those films that leaves its mark on you. A moving work that we owe to Robert Benton, based on the novel Father’s right by Avery Corman. The film follows Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman), a man who until now had prioritized his career over his family. Until the day his wife Joanna (Meryl Streep), decides to leave. Suddenly there he is alone with his son Billy.
Thus he discovers all the household chores that his wife did, and he always has to carry out his professional life too. Even though the situation isn’t easy, it ultimately allows Ted to reconnect with his son and finally experience strong moments with him. Only Joanna returns after taking time to recharge her batteries, she files for divorce and asks for custody of his son. The couple will then continue to tear each other apart during the legal proceedings.
If the film is so powerful it is because Robert Benton puts human feelings and the simplest and most normal everyday life at the center. Seeing this man finally establish himself as his father is heartwarming. But it’s also there a lot of empathy and understanding for Joanna, who can no longer stand having to manage her family alone. In this sense, the feature film is modern and represents the mental burden of women, long before it became such a high-profile topic as it is today. And at the center of this story there is obviously a child, who is the first victim. We also remember Kramer vs. Kramer this heartbreaking scene for its simplicity, at the end, when Ted prepares some French toast in front of his son who ends up bursting into tears over the situation.
A success on all levels
A true cinematic classic, Kramer vs. Kramer it was recognized for its true value upon its release. The film was in fact awarded 5 Oscars in 1980including those of best filmbest director for Robert Benton, best actor for Dustin Hoffman and Best Supporting Actress for Meryl Streep. Deserved awards given that the two interpreters are excellent, screaming the truth. But the film also owes a lot to young Justin Henry, 8 years old at the time, who participates greatly in the emotion. Subsequently the boy continued to appear in films and series. But his career wasn’t very important. He actually appeared in supporting roles and didn’t make much of an impression after that. Kramer vs. Kramer.
Finally, in addition to critical success and Oscars, Kramer vs. Kramer it was above all a success with the public. In France, the feature film achieved excellent results more than 4 million enrollments in 1980. This year only two films did better: The empire strikes again (4,053,875 entries) e The party (4,379,191 entries). In the United States, with a total of 94 million dollars at the box office, it had become the Fourth biggest hit of the yearstill behind The empire strikes again ($200 million), but also behind How to get rid of your boss ($103 million) and We have to pack our bags ($101 million).
Source: Cine Serie
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