"Silkwood" is a credible, if slow moving drama. The script, cast and performances are very good, rewarding the patient viewer.

"Silkwood" takes place in 1974, and is a true story. Karen Silkwood (Meryl Streep) is a blue collar worker at a nuclear power plant in Oklahoma. Her live-in redneck boyfriend Drew (Kurt Russell) and lesbian roommate Dolly (Cher) also work there. After her friend Thelma (Sudie Bond) is exposed to plutonium, Karen becomes a union activist. She also gathers incriminating evidence against the plant. This makes her a pariah, as the plant is troubled, and everyone's job is at stake. In supporting roles are Craig T. Nelson as Karen's boss, and Diana Scarwid as Dolly's beautician girlfriend.

"Silkwood" was the first theatrical screenplay for Nora Ephron, who later became known for writing romantic comedies ("When Harry Met Sally", "Sleepless in Seattle"). The script, which she co-wrote with Alice Arlen, was Oscar nominated for Best Original Screenplay.

It was also the first Oscar nomination for Cher, for Best Supporting Actress. Her previous film and television work had been closely identified with former husband Sonny Bono. Her film career would peak a few years later with "Moonstruck", for which she won Best Actress. Cher has often been ridiculed for a lack of acting talent, but she gives a solid performance in "Silkwood". It helps that the script feeds her many good lines.

But Meryl Streep is the real talent in "Silkwood". You would think that she was born in Oklahoma. Her rural accent seems natural, and her straightforward, emotionally volatile character seems completely removed from her roles in films like "The French Lieutenant's Woman". "Silkwood" was one of eleven films in which she was Oscar nominated, but her chances of winning were slim, having won Best Actress the year before in "Sophie's Choice".

Mike Nichols received an Oscar nomination for Best Director for "Silkwood". But this time the Academy may have made a mistake. The biggest problem with "Silkwood" is the slow pacing; perhaps even twenty minutes could have been trimmed from the 125 minute running time. Many scenes have lengthy, leisurely paced conversations between Karen and another lead. They are important, in that they chronicle changes in relationships. But they also go on for too long sometimes. One exception comes when Karen is caught snooping in her boss's desk drawer; for once the pacing adds to the tension rather than reducing it.

Along with "The China Syndrome", "Silkwood" is an anti-nuclear film. It strongly implies that plutonium is too dangerous a substance to be used for fuel, and that contamination is frequent (if limited) and inevitable. I won't give away the ending, but I can tell you that it is quite a downer, with responsibility carefully placed on the management of the nuclear plant. (64/100)



Recommended: Yes