By Arthur Flynn

 

KRAMER VS. Kramer starred two of the biggest stars in Hollywood in the 1970s – Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep.

The American drama was based on Avery Corman’s novel of the same name. Originally Al Pacino turned down the leading role of Ted Kramer.

Robert Benton directed and wrote the screenplay for the Columbia Picture with a $8 million budget. The production team was headed by cinematographer Nestor Almendros, edited by Gerald B. Greenberg and music by Paul Gemignani, Herb Harris, John Kandel, Erma E. Levin, Roy B. Yokelson and Antonio Vivaldi.

Kate Jackson was originally offered the role played by Meryl Streep but was forced to turn it down as she was appearing in the TV series Charlie’s Angels and the producer could not release her. Meryl Streep was pregnant during the shooting of the film. Originally Streep had the minor role of Ted’s one-night-stand, eventually played by JoBeth Williams.

The other main members of the cast included Justin Henry as Billy, Jane Alexander as Margaret Phelps, Petra King as Petie Phelps and Howard Duff as John Shaunessy.

Cinematographer Nestor Almendros, a collaborator on numerous Francois Truffaut films, had been hired with the expectation that Truffaut would direct. Unfortunately, Truffaut was too busy filming on the continent and had to decline. He suggested that Robert Benton should direct.

THERE WAS initial tension between Hoffman and Streep. He had heard that newcomer Streep was mastering her role and upstaging him. Eventually he realised that she wanted what was best for the film not herself.

Dustin Hoffman, who was going through a marital separation and who divorced his first wife soon after filming ended, contributed many personal moments and dialogue. Director Benson offered shared screenplay credit, but Hoffman turned it down. Meryl Streep was also in an emotional state as she was still recovering from the death of her lover, John Cazale.

Meryl Streep wrote her own courtroom speech upon writer-director Robert Benson’s suggestion, after she told him she wasn’t satisfied with the way it was originally written.

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