Details
Movie Description
Director Robert Benton brings Philip Roth's 2000 novel THE HUMAN STAIN to the screen in this lavish production, with expert cinematography from Jean-Yves Escoffier. Coleman Silk (Anthony Hopkins) is a light-skinned African-American college professor who has kept his true racial identity secret for the majority of his life. His career comes to a sudden halt when he makes a comment that is misinterpreted as a racial slur. Soon after he is fired, Silk hooks up with young Faunia Farely (Nicole Kidman), a local janitor. The affair with Farely, who is almost half Silk's age, becomes small-town gossip, and attracts the attention of Farely's psychotic ex-husband, Lester (Ed Harris). As Lester seeks vengeance, still angry at his ex-wife, Silk must make some tough decisions about his affair with Farely, leading to the film's nail-biting conclusion.
Benton draws incredibly convincing performances from his two lead actors. Hopkins ably transcends his Caucasian ethnicity to play an African American. And Kidman fully embraces her character as a downtrodden janitor who is determined to rise beyond her humble beginnings. The two actors conquer the difficult subject matter, offering fascinating commentary on racial mores and relationship issues.
Film Notes
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Full Frame - 1.33
Theatrical Release: October 31, 2003 (NY/LA)
Director of Photography Jean-Yves Escoffier died in early 2003 from heart failure. THE HUMAN STAIN was his last film.
Industry Reviews
"...The filmmakers explicate Mr. Roth's themes with admirable clarity and care and observe his characters with delicate fondness..."
New York Times - A. O. Scott (10/31/2003)
"...There's a real conviction in these performances..."
Los Angeles Times - Manohla Dargis (10/31/2003)
"[A]mbitious and fascinating..."
Chicago Sun-Times - Roger Ebert (10/31/2003)
"[With] restrained and disciplined playing by Anthony Hopkins and Wentworth Miller..."
Sight and Sound - Xan Brooks (03/01/2004)
"Both risky and tender."
Uncut - Chris Roberts (09/01/2004)
"...It's the flashes of dramatic lightning that make it a trip worth taking..."
Rolling Stone - Peter Travers (10/16/2003)
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