On Tuesday, a distinguished group of actors comprising Ethan Hawke, Cate Blanchett, Claire Danes, Holland Taylor, and Sarita Choudhury gathered at the Museum of Modern Art's basement theater to pay tribute to a legendary figure in the world of acting. The occasion marked the fortieth anniversary of the acclaimed film 'Sophie's Choice,' which played a pivotal role in catapulting Meryl Streep into the cinematic stratosphere.
'Sophie's Choice' was a film that demanded immense dedication from Streep. She ardently campaigned for the role, diligently learning German and Polish to perfection. Astonishingly, she managed to metamorphose into a completely different person—a resilient refugee trapped by the horrors of the Holocaust, endeavoring to establish a new life in Brooklyn. Streep, joined by her co-stars Peter MacNicol and Kevin Kline, graced the event to reminisce about their experiences making the film and honor their late collaborators.
The trio of departed luminaries included Alan J. Pakula, the film's director, producer, and writer; William Styron, the novelist who conceived the character of Sophie; and Nestor Almendros, the cinematographer who battled vision impairment but still filled the frames with evocative hues of moody blues and autumnal shades. Streep pointed out the absence of these visionaries, emphasizing that only she, Kline, and MacNicol remain. It was a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the enduring legacy of their work.
Pakula, who tragically lost his life in a car accident in 1998, had consistently urged the young cast to deliver their best performances in every scene. 'Something he always said was, 'deny me none of your riches,'' MacNicol fondly recalled. 'Well, I hope we did him justice and you.' MacNicol also shared a touching anecdote about Almendros, revealing that the cinematographer had reached a point where he was legally blind, wearing thick glasses akin to 'Coke bottles.' Nevertheless, his discerning eye for beauty never faded.
In hindsight, Kline declared 'Sophie's Choice,' which marked his film debut, to be the most enjoyable and creatively fulfilling experience of his entire career. He astutely noted the film's relevance in the present day, as authoritarianism gains traction and the display of anti-Semitism and bigotry becomes increasingly conspicuous. 'Sophie's Choice' delves into the lives of three individuals striving to rebuild after experiencing a historical cataclysm, touching on themes of societal and moral complacency, complicity, self-preservation, and the chilling persistence of evil. Kline concluded his remarks with a wry, 'So, enjoy!'
Following the screening, the esteemed audience, visibly moved by the tragic narrative, reconvened at the prestigious Baccarat Hotel to imbibe refreshments and reflect on the evening's events. The occasion not only marked the commemoration of the iconic film but also signaled the return of AlanPepe Communications' retrospective screening events after the global pandemic forced an extended hiatus.
As the industry continues to honor outstanding films that have stood the test of time, it is essential to recollect the exceptional talent and creative visionaries whose contributions remain indelible. 'Sophie's Choice' serves as a poignant reminder of the power of storytelling and the ability of cinema to shed light on historical atrocities, provoking contemplation and empathy, even decades later.
