"Sophie's Choice" stands as one of the most powerful and emotionally charged films in the annals of cinematic history.
At its heart is Meryl Streep, delivering a performance so compelling that it ranks among the most revered in the history of cinema. However, it's a single scene in the film that both defines her acting prowess and underscores the toll it took on her as an artist.
By the time "Sophie's Choice" came into Meryl Streep's life, she was already a seasoned star at the age of 32, with a formidable list of accomplishments. With accolades like an Oscar and two Golden Globes under her belt, she was on a quest for more, eager to sink her teeth into the role of Sophie Zawistowski, a Polish survivor of the Holocaust. To prepare for the role, Streep embarked on a journey of language, learning Polish and German to lend authenticity to her portrayal.
The film, adapted from William Styron's 1979 novel, was a coveted project, with the role of Sophie highly sought after by esteemed actresses like Sally Field, Marthe Keller, and Barbra Streisand. Still, it was Meryl Streep who embraced the character with fervor, bringing forth a performance that would define her career. In fact, Premiere magazine would later rank her portrayal of Sophie Zawistowska as the third-best performance in the history of cinema.
"Sophie's Choice" follows the lives of three individuals in post-World War II New York. Stingo, an aspiring writer, becomes entangled in the complex world of Sophie, a Holocaust survivor, and Nathan, her fervent yet volatile Jewish lover. The heart-wrenching tale explores the harrowing past of Sophie and the burdens she carries from her time in the Auschwitz concentration camp.
The title of the film alludes to a critical and heart-wrenching moment, a decision that Sophie had to make in Auschwitz, an act of unparalleled emotional intensity. Meryl Streep approached this pivotal scene with such care that she adamantly refused to perform it multiple times, considering it "extremely painful and emotionally exhausting." This single take was enough to leave an indelible impact on the audience, demonstrating Streep's extraordinary dedication to her craft.
Interestingly, despite her remarkable performance, Meryl Streep had never seen the end of the film, steadfastly avoiding it due to the emotional weight it carried. It wasn't until an appearance on Oprah Winfrey's show that she was confronted with that heart-wrenching scene, a moment that clearly left her uncomfortable.
"Sophie's Choice" is a testament to the profound impact cinema can have on both its audience and its actors. Meryl Streep's dedication to her craft in this iconic film demonstrates the depths an artist can go to deliver an unforgettable performance. Her portrayal of Sophie Zawistowska remains a defining moment in her illustrious career, showcasing her ability to convey the complexities of the human experience through her exceptional acting.
