Streep’s New Role (Press, 26 January 1984)

The article discusses the film "Silkwood," which portrays the life and struggles of Karen Silkwood, a worker at an Oklahoma nuclear production plant who died in a mysterious car accident in 1974. The film, directed by Mike Nichols and featuring Meryl Streep in the lead role, is compared to "Norma Rae" and "The China Syndrome" for its themes of union activism and whistleblowing against unsafe practices in the workplace. In "Silkwood," Meryl Streep plays a complex character who is depicted as a spirited but uneducated woman becoming embroiled in union politics after discovering her employer falsifying safety records regarding the fuel rods sent to a breeder reactor. This revelation raises serious safety concerns that could potentially lead to catastrophic outcomes. Silkwood, who leads a chaotic personal life and has left her children to live with her boyfriend Drew, navigates relationships with co-workers, including her transatlantic bond with fellow workers Dolly and Angela, adding to the film's authentic portrayal of rural blue-collar life. As incidents of radiation exposure accumulate in the plant, Silkwood grows increasingly suspicious of both management negligence and the carelessness of her peers. The film notes the shared blame for these hazardous situations rather than solely spotlighting corporate wrongdoing, making it a nuanced commentary rather than a straightforward indictment of the nuclear industry. The narrative surrounding Silkwood's death raises multiple theories, ranging from foul play due to her whistleblowing activities to accidental death influenced by her reported drug and alcohol abuse. This ambiguity is highlighted in the film, which, according to the article, might frustrate viewers seeking clear answers. Nevertheless, the script, written by Nora Ephron and Alice Arlen, succeeds in capturing the atmosphere and the mores of the working-class environment, showcasing both humour and emotional depth. Overall, "Silkwood" is praised for its authentic portrayal of working-class life and the complexities surrounding its protagonist. Streep’s performance, bolstered by a distinct Southwest accent and the use of an evocative score, adds to the film's impact. The film concludes with the eventual shutdown of the Kerr-McGee plant a year after Silkwood's death, underscoring her lasting legacy in the narrative of workplace safety.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand