Movie Review – Sophie's Choice

Sophie’s Choice (1982) – After World War II a young writer (Peter MacNichol) from the south arrives in New York City to follow his dream.  There he meets a concentration camp survivor named Sophie (Meryl Streep) and her mercurial lover, Nathan (Kevin Kline).  Stingo (MacNichol) narrates the story of the three of them. Nathan’s obsession with the camps and Sophie’s desire to talk about anything else will be the center of conflict between them.

Based on the novel of the same name, this was a role that actresses were begging to do.  In Streep’s case legend says she literally got down on her hands and knees to appeal to director Alan J. Pakula (who also wrote the screenplay and co-produced the movie) for the role of Sophie.  Fortunately for us, he decided on her.

She has to portray Sophie as an exhausted, ill, new immigrant and as the beautiful but fragile Sophie through the main action to the stunning ending.

“Sophie’s Choice” won awards around the world led by Streep’s Oscar for Best Actress. She is amazing as the delicate Sophie.  This was Kline’s second movie but it was the first that hit the screen due to post production issues on the first (Pirates of Penzance) this was effectively his film debut. He brings his distinctive blend of energy, depth and just a tinge of madness. This is also MacNichol’s second mvie.

This is a powerful, emotional movie.  At the same time, it comes to an almost gentle end.  Profoundly sad but very gentle.  It’s an amazing time with a movie.

Rating – **** Recommended