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.
Rolling Stone:
10/16/2003
"...It's the flashes of dramatic lightning that make it a trip worth taking..."New York Times:
10/31/2003
"...The filmmakers explicate Mr. Roth's themes with admirable clarity and care and observe his characters with delicate fondness..."Los Angeles Times:
10/31/2003
"...There's a real conviction in these performances..."Chicago Sun-Times:
10/31/2003
"[A]mbitious and fascinating..."Sight and Sound:
03/01/2004
"[With] restrained and disciplined playing by Anthony Hopkins and Wentworth Miller..."Uncut:
09/01/2004
"Both risky and tender."
CAST
| Anthony Hopkins | Welsh Actor |
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| Nicole Kidman | Actress, TO DIE FOR |
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| Ed Harris | American Actor/Director |
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| Wentworth Miller | American actor, PRISON BREAK, DINOTOPIA |
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| Jacinda Barrett | |
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| Gary Sinese | actor |
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CREW
| Director | Robert Benton (American director/screenwriter) |
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| Director of Photography | Jean-Yves Escoffier (Genius Cinematographer) |
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| Source Writer | Phillip Roth (American Author, PORTNOY'S COMPLAINT) |
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| Producer | Gary Lucchesi (Producer) |
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| Composer | Rachel Portman (Composer) |
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| Screenwriter | Nick Meyers (Editor - "The Boys") |
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| Producer | Scott Steindorff (Producer, THE HUMAN STAIN (2003)) |
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| Producer | Tom Rosenberg |
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Video: Color
Subtitles:
English (Closed Captioned)
Weight factor: 1 item(s)
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| Area |
Runtime |
Box |
| USA |
106 min |
(normal) |
| Rating |
R (MPAA)
sexuality, nudity, and language |
|
Catalog #: 2530587
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UPC: 786936238570 |
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Distributor Notes
The Human Stain
Academy Award(R) winners Anthony Hopkins (1991 Best Actor, THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS) and Nicole Kidman (2002 Best Actress, THE HOURS) along with Gary Sinise (FORREST GUMP) and Ed Harris (THE HOURS) star in the provocative mystery THE HUMAN STAIN. Coleman Silk (Hopkins) has a secret. A terrible 50-year-old secret that the esteemed college professor has kept hidden from everyone ? including his wife, his children, and his down-and-out young lover (Kidman) ? and it's about to ruin his entire life.
Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment.
Release Notes
DVD Features:
Region 1
Keep Case
Full Frame - 1.33
Title Notes
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.
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