Sophie’s Choice (1982)

VHS CASE/ SIDE

Length of film: 151 Minutes (Extended:: 157 Minutes)

Rated: 15

Genre: Drama, Romance

Director: Alan J. Pakula

Starring: Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Peter MacNicol, Rita Karin, Stephen D. Newman, Greta Turken, Josh Mostel

IMDB Rank: 7.5 /10

Part 1 Time: 73 Minutes (Extended:: N/A Minutes)

Part 2 Time: 78 Minutes (Extended: N/A Minutes)

Where does the first part end? Stingo (Peter MacNicol) is forced to leave Zofia ‘Sophie’ Zawistowska’s (Meryl Streep) and Nathan Landau’s (Kevin Kline) residence as Nathan initiates an argument with Sophie.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Stay out, get out of here,” Sophie shouts at Stingo while pushing him out the door.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “I’m leaving the house, they’re here. I come back, two empty rooms. No Nathan, no Sophie.” states Yetta (Rita Karin) as Stingo is on the phone trying to find the whereabouts of Nathan and Sophie the following morning.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, Stingo has become close friends with Sophie and Nathan, whose relationship is far from ideal. Sophie seems to struggle with her past, while Nathan wrestles with unknown psychological issues. Up until this point this is the biggest argument Stingo, Sophie and Nathan have faced.

Which part is better? All the protagonists in the film demonstrate superb acting, however Meryl Streep showcases what might be the greatest achievement in acting. Her performance is so natural it really makes one feel the grief her character must endure, not to mention she also had to speak multiple languages (with a flawless polish accent). Part two is significantly better as Sophie begins to share with Stingo her experiences at the Auschwitz Concentration Camp during World War Two. Both parts of Sophie’s story not only show the horrors of Auschwitz, but also the ultimate moral dilemma faced by many at the concentration camp.

Academy Awards: 1983; Best Leading Actress (Winner- Meryl Streep), Best Writing- Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium (Nominated), Best Cinematography (Nominated), Best Costume Design (Nominated), Best Music- Original Score (Nominated).

Other Awards: 1984 BAFTA– Best Actress (Nominated- Meryl Streep, Most Outstanding Newcomer (Nominated- Kevin Kline); 1983 Golden Globes– Best Motion Picture Drama (Nominated), Best Drama Actress in a Motion Picture (Winner- Meryl Streep), New Star of the Year in a Motion Picture (Nominated- Kevin Kline).