Meryl Streep's Early Days On The Big Screen: A Retrospective Of Her Young Movie Roles

Meryl Streep is an American actress who has starred in more than 100 films and television shows.

Meryl Streep is one of the most acclaimed actresses of all time, having won three Academy Awards, three Golden Globes, and two British Academy Film Awards. She has also been nominated for a record 21 Academy Awards.

Streep began her acting career in the 1970s, and she quickly became known for her versatility and her ability to play a wide range of characters. Some of her most famous roles include Julia Child in Julie & Julia, Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady, and Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada.

Streep has been praised for her intelligence, her dedication to her craft, and her ability to connect with audiences. She is considered one of the greatest actresses of all time, and her work has inspired generations of actors and filmmakers.

Meryl Streep Young Movies

Meryl Streep is one of the most acclaimed actresses of all time, and her work has inspired generations of actors and filmmakers. Her early roles in the 1970s and 1980s helped to establish her as a versatile and talented performer, and she has continued to deliver powerful performances throughout her career.

• The Deer Hunter (1978)
• Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
• The French Lieutenant's Woman (1981)
• Sophie's Choice (1982)
• Out of Africa (1985)
• Ironweed (1987)
• A Cry in the Dark (1988)
• Postcards from the Edge (1990)

These are just a few of the many great performances that Meryl Streep has given in her young career. She is a true master of her craft, and her work continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.

1. The Deer Hunter (1978)

The Deer Hunter (1978) is a war film directed by Michael Cimino. The film stars Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, John Savage, and Meryl Streep. The film follows a group of friends from a small town in Pennsylvania who are drafted into the Vietnam War.

• Plot
  The film follows the men as they are sent to Vietnam and experience the horrors of war. They are captured by the Viet Cong and are forced to play Russian roulette. The film ends with the men returning home, but they are forever changed by their experiences.
• Characters
  Meryl Streep plays Linda, the girlfriend of one of the main characters, Nick. Linda is a strong and independent woman who is determined to support Nick and his friends. She is a symbol of hope and strength in the film.
• Themes
  The Deer Hunter is a film about the horrors of war and the lasting effects it can have on those who experience it. The film also explores the themes of friendship, love, and loss.
• Critical reception
  The Deer Hunter was a critical and commercial success. It won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. The film has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the Vietnam War and its powerful performances.

The Deer Hunter is an important film in Meryl Streep's career. It was one of her first major roles, and it helped to establish her as a serious actress. The film also gave her the opportunity to work with some of the most talented actors in Hollywood, including Robert De Niro and Christopher Walken.

2. Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)

Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) is a drama film directed by Robert Benton. The film stars Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, and Justin Henry. The film tells the story of a couple who divorce and must learn to co-parent their young son.

• Plot
  

  The film follows Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman), a workaholic advertising executive, and Joanna Kramer (Meryl Streep), a photographer. The couple has a young son, Billy (Justin Henry). When Joanna leaves Ted and Billy, Ted must learn to take care of his son on his own. He struggles at first, but eventually he and Billy develop a strong bond.

• Characters
  

  Meryl Streep plays Joanna Kramer, a complex and sympathetic character. Joanna is a talented photographer who is struggling to find her place in the world. She is also a loving mother who wants what is best for her son. Streep gives a nuanced performance that captures Joanna's strength and vulnerability.

• Themes
  

  Kramer vs. Kramer is a film about the challenges and rewards of parenting. The film explores the themes of love, loss, and sacrifice. It also examines the changing roles of men and women in society.

• Critical reception
  

  Kramer vs. Kramer was a critical and commercial success. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Dustin Hoffman. Streep was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Kramer vs. Kramer is an important film in Meryl Streep's career. It was one of her first major roles, and it helped to establish her as a serious actress. The film also gave her the opportunity to work with some of the most talented actors in Hollywood, including Dustin Hoffman and Justin Henry.

3. The French Lieutenant's Woman (1981)

The French Lieutenant's Woman (1981) is a romantic drama film directed by Karel Reisz. The film stars Meryl Streep, Jeremy Irons, and Hilton McRae. The film is based on the 1969 novel of the same name by John Fowles.

The film tells the story of Sarah Woodruff (Meryl Streep), a young woman who is engaged to be married to a wealthy landowner. However, she falls in love with a poor French lieutenant (Jeremy Irons). The film follows the couple as they struggle to be together in a society that does not approve of their relationship.

The French Lieutenant's Woman was a critical and commercial success. The film was praised for its performances, its lush cinematography, and its intelligent script. Meryl Streep received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role as Sarah Woodruff.

The French Lieutenant's Woman is an important film in Meryl Streep's career. It was one of her first major roles, and it helped to establish her as a serious actress. The film also gave her the opportunity to work with some of the most talented actors in Hollywood, including Jeremy Irons and Hilton McRae.

The French Lieutenant's Woman is a complex and challenging film. It is a film about love, loss, and the power of society. The film is also a meditation on the nature of reality and the role of the individual in history.

4. Sophie's Choice (1982)

Sophie's Choice (1982) is a historical drama film directed by Alan J. Pakula. The film stars Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, and Peter MacNicol. The film is based on the 1979 novel of the same name by William Styron.

The film tells the story of Sophie Zawistowski (Meryl Streep), a Polish Catholic who is sent to Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. While in the camp, Sophie is forced to make a terrible choice: she must choose which of her two children will live and which will die.

Sophie's Choice is a powerful and moving film that explores the themes of love, loss, and sacrifice. The film is also a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

• Meryl Streep's Performance
  

  Meryl Streep gives a tour-de-force performance as Sophie Zawistowski. Streep perfectly captures Sophie's pain, grief, and strength. Her performance is one of the most acclaimed in film history, and it earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.

• The Historical Context
  

  Sophie's Choice is set against the backdrop of the Holocaust. The film does not shy away from the horrors of the Holocaust, and it provides a powerful reminder of the atrocities that were committed during that time.

• The Moral Dilemma
  

  Sophie's Choice is a film that forces the audience to confront a difficult moral dilemma. There is no easy answer to the question of what Sophie should have done. The film challenges the audience to think about what they would have done in the same situation.

• The Power of Hope
  

  Despite the horrors that she experiences, Sophie never gives up hope. She believes that she will be reunited with her children one day. The film's message of hope is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

Sophie's Choice is a must-see film for anyone who is interested in history, human rights, or the power of the human spirit. The film is a powerful and moving experience that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

5. Out of Africa (1985)

Released in 1985, "Out of Africa" is an epic romantic drama film that explores the life of Danish author Karen Blixen in colonial Kenya. Directed by Sydney Pollack, the film stars Meryl Streep as Blixen and Robert Redford as Denys Finch Hatton, a British big-game hunter and Blixen's lover. The film is based on Blixen's 1937 memoir of the same name.

"Out of Africa" is a significant film in Meryl Streep's career, as it showcased her range and versatility as an actress. Streep's portrayal of Blixen is both nuanced and powerful, capturing the character's strength, independence, and vulnerability. The film earned Streep her second Academy Award for Best Actress, solidifying her status as one of the greatest actresses of her generation.

"Out of Africa" is also notable for its stunning cinematography, which captures the breathtaking beauty of the African landscape. The film's sweeping vistas and intimate close-ups create a vivid and immersive experience for the viewer. The film's score, composed by John Barry, is also highly acclaimed and complements the film's emotional journey.

Beyond its artistic merits, "Out of Africa" also offers a thought-provoking exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the human experience. The film's depiction of Blixen's struggles and triumphs in Africa provides a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.

In conclusion, "Out of Africa" is a critically acclaimed and commercially successful film that showcases Meryl Streep's extraordinary talent as an actress. The film's stunning cinematography, evocative score, and exploration of universal themes make it a must-see for fans of classic cinema and those interested in the life and work of Karen Blixen.

6. Ironweed (1987)

Released in 1987, "Ironweed" is a powerful drama film that explores the lives of Francis Phelan (Jack Nicholson) and Helen Archer (Meryl Streep), two homeless alcoholics living on the streets of Albany, New York, during the Great Depression. Directed by Hctor Babenco, the film delves into the characters' struggles with addiction, poverty, and the search for redemption.

• Meryl Streep's Performance
  

  Meryl Streep delivers a tour-de-force performance as Helen Archer, a woman haunted by her past and grappling with alcoholism. Streep's portrayal is both heartbreaking and deeply human, showcasing her ability to inhabit complex and challenging characters.

• Exploration of Addiction
  

  "Ironweed" offers a unflinching look at the devastating effects of addiction. The film depicts the characters' struggles with alcohol abuse, their attempts to overcome it, and the challenges they face in staying sober.

• Social Commentary
  

  Set during the Great Depression, "Ironweed" also serves as a social commentary on the economic and societal conditions of the time. The film highlights the plight of the homeless and marginalized, and the struggles they face in a society that often ignores them.

"Ironweed" is a powerful and moving film that showcases Meryl Streep's extraordinary talent as an actress. The film's exploration of addiction, social commentary, and the search for redemption make it a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience.

7. A Cry in the Dark (1988)

Released in 1988, "A Cry in the Dark" is a gripping drama film that tells the story of Lindy Chamberlain (Meryl Streep), an Australian woman who was wrongly convicted of murdering her nine-week-old daughter, Azaria. Directed by Fred Schepisi, the film follows Lindy's ordeal as she fights to clear her name and uncover the truth behind her daughter's disappearance.

"A Cry in the Dark" is a significant film in Meryl Streep's career, as it showcased her ability to portray real-life characters with depth and sensitivity. Streep's portrayal of Lindy Chamberlain is both nuanced and powerful, capturing the character's resilience, determination, and unwavering love for her family. The film earned Streep her seventh Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, solidifying her status as one of the greatest actresses of her generation.

Beyond its artistic merits, "A Cry in the Dark" also serves as a powerful exploration of themes such as justice, truth, and the resilience of the human spirit. The film's depiction of Lindy Chamberlain's wrongful conviction and her subsequent fight to clear her name highlights the importance of due process and the need to challenge injustice. The film also offers a thought-provoking examination of the media's role in shaping public opinion and the challenges faced by those who are falsely accused.

In conclusion, "A Cry in the Dark" is a critically acclaimed and emotionally resonant film that showcases Meryl Streep's extraordinary talent as an actress. The film's exploration of justice, truth, and the resilience of the human spirit, coupled with Streep's powerful performance, make it a must-see for fans of both classic cinema and true-crime stories.

8. Postcards from the Edge (1990)

Released in 1990, "Postcards from the Edge" is a semi-autobiographical comedy-drama film that explores the relationship between a recovering drug addict, Suzanne Vale (Meryl Streep), and her overbearing mother, Doris Mann (Shirley MacLaine). Directed by Mike Nichols, the film is based on the 1987 novel of the same name by Carrie Fisher, who also wrote the screenplay.

"Postcards from the Edge" is a significant film in Meryl Streep's career, as it showcased her ability to portray complex and flawed characters with humor and empathy. Streep's portrayal of Suzanne Vale is both heartbreaking and hilarious, capturing the character's struggles with addiction, her relationship with her mother, and her search for self-discovery.

• Addiction and Recovery
  

  "Postcards from the Edge" offers a unflinching look at the devastating effects of addiction and the challenges of recovery. The film depicts Suzanne Vale's struggles with drug abuse, her attempts to overcome it, and the challenges she faces in staying sober.

• Mother-Daughter Relationships
  

  The film explores the complex and often fraught relationship between Suzanne and her mother, Doris. Doris is a domineering and narcissistic actress who has always overshadowed her daughter. Suzanne struggles to break free from her mother's influence and find her own identity.

• The Entertainment Industry
  

  "Postcards from the Edge" is set in the glamorous world of Hollywood, and the film offers a satirical look at the industry's excesses and hypocrisies. The film also explores the challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry, both in front of and behind the camera.

• Humor and Heartbreak
  

  Despite its dark subject matter, "Postcards from the Edge" is a film that is both funny and heartbreaking. The film finds humor in the absurdity of addiction and the eccentricities of the entertainment industry. However, it also delves into the depths of human suffering and the challenges of redemption.

"Postcards from the Edge" is a powerful and moving film that showcases Meryl Streep's extraordinary talent as an actress. The film's exploration of addiction, recovery, and the complexities of human relationships make it a must-see for fans of both classic cinema and films that explore the human condition.

Frequently Asked Questions about Meryl Streep's Young Movies

Meryl Streep's early performances in the 1970s and 1980s cemented her status as a versatile and talented actress. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about this period of her career:

Question 1: Which of Meryl Streep's young movies is considered her breakthrough role?

Answer: Meryl Streep's breakthrough role came in the 1978 war film "The Deer Hunter," for which she received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Question 2: What was Meryl Streep's first leading role in a major Hollywood film?

Answer: Meryl Streep's first leading role in a major Hollywood film was in the 1979 drama "Kramer vs. Kramer," for which she won her first Academy Award for Best Actress.

Question 3: Which of Meryl Streep's young movies is known for its historical significance?

Answer: Meryl Streep's performance in the 1982 drama "Sophie's Choice" is widely regarded as one of her most powerful and critically acclaimed. The film explores the horrors of the Holocaust and earned Streep her second Academy Award for Best Actress.

Question 4: What is the name of the romantic drama film in which Meryl Streep played a Danish author in Africa?

Answer: Meryl Streep starred in the 1985 film "Out of Africa" as Karen Blixen, a Danish author who lived in colonial Kenya. Her performance earned her a third Academy Award for Best Actress.

Question 5: Which of Meryl Streep's young movies deals with the topic of addiction?

Answer: In the 1988 drama "A Cry in the Dark," Meryl Streep portrays Lindy Chamberlain, an Australian woman who was wrongly convicted of murdering her infant daughter. The film explores the themes of injustice and the resilience of the human spirit.

Meryl Streep's early filmography showcases her remarkable range and versatility as an actress. Her performances in these young movies continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

Conclusion

Meryl Streep's early films showcased her extraordinary talent and versatility, establishing her as one of the greatest actresses of her generation. Her performances in these young movies continue to captivate audiences with their depth, nuance, and emotional resonance.

Through her portrayal of iconic characters, Streep has explored complex themes such as addiction, loss, and the human condition. Her commitment to authenticity and her ability to inhabit characters from all walks of life have made her a beloved and respected figure in the film industry.

Meryl Streep's young movies remain a testament to her enduring legacy as an actress who has consistently raised the bar for cinematic excellence. They serve as a reminder of her remarkable talent and the profound impact she has had on the art of filmmaking.