Kramer vs. Kramer

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Ted Kramer: Margaret, I just need to know something. Did you put Joanna up to this? Margaret Phelps: No, I did not put Joanna up to this. Ted Kramer: Give her a little pep talk, maybe? Margaret Phelps: Joanna is a very unhappy woman and it took a lot of courage to walk out this door. Ted Kramer: How much courage does it take to walk out on your kid?

Adapted from the novel by Avery Corman, Kramer vs. Kramer follows the story of Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman). One day, his wife Joanna (Meryl Streep) leaves him, forcing him to raise their son, Billy, alone. A year and a half pass before she finally returns to claim Billy; an emotional custody battle ensues. This was 1979's Oscar winner for Best Picture, and the film that earned Hoffman and Streep their first Oscars for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress, respectively. Best Director and Adapted Screenplay wins brought the total to five.

Tropes used in Kramer vs. Kramer include:

• Artistic License Law: The book Reel Justice notes that Ted's fear of Billy upon on the stand is ridiculous, considering that in an Appeals Court trial with no new evidence, nobody testifies as a witness.
• Just Friends: Ted and Margaret.
• Leaving You to Find Myself: The rationale Joanna gives Ted for leaving him at the start.
• Naked People Are Funny: After coming home with Ted for a one-night stand, his coworker Phyllis encounters Billy in the hallway while nude, leading to her awkwardly introducing herself while employing Hand Underwear.
• Public Domain Soundtrack: Vivaldi's Concerto in C major for mandolin and strings appears over the opening credits, while several Henry Purcell pieces are employed through the rest of the film.
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