Review of Silkwood (1983) by Gabi B — 07 Jan 2010

The austere almost-documentary style of Silkwood's story serves Mike Nichols very well. Austere though does not mean we do not connect with these small town people; we do, and with Karen Silkwood especially, as we see her react to her exposure and what she feels is a conspiracy by the company she works for.

Meryl Streep is in absolute top form. What is most impressive is it is not a big showy role like some of hers' are, but what we see is a real person, all the minute details of what makes a performance feel life-like. It is not in the big showy speeches, but in the everyday moments that Streep shines, the little moments i.e. gestures etc., that brings her character off the screen and into your consciousness. She is supported by Cher and Kurt Russell both terrific as well, hitting the exact notes that Streep does. The three together are heartbreaking and real.

The script from Nora Ephron and Alice Arlen is impressive even if it panders to emotions and somewhat manipulates - this does hurt the film a bit. The pacing is especially good though, for it allows you to understand these people, this woman and their connections to each other as it moves towards Karen's contamination and the subsequent conspiracy. Finally, it is Nichols' assuredness with the camera that levels the film out and makes it work. It could've been just another passion project/ real-life story brought sloppily to the screen, but with his hands, and many other talents involved, it becomes a hard-nosed, and well made drama.