Sophie's Choice
1982
**
Director: Alan J. Pakula
Cast: Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Peter MacNicol, Greta Turken, Rita Karin, Stephen D. Newman, Josh Mostel, Robin Bartlett, Eugene Lipinski
In 1947, an aspiring writer Stingo moves next door to Sophie Zawistowska, a Polish Catholic woman who survived Auschwitz, and her unstable Jewish boyfiend Nathan. He gradually learns the truth about both of them. Meryl Streep conveys emotions in three different languages in her astonishing Academy Award winning performance. Sadly I can't say the same about the film. Most people know the concept of Sophie's choice, even if they haven't seen the film or read the book. It has become an analogy for a decision where both options are equally unpleasant. Sophie's story is gripping and moving, but Slingo's quest to lose his virginity and Nathan's struggles with mental issues are a complete waste of time. Alan J. Pakula scripted from William Styron's 1979 novel.
