Stephen Farber

“…. Robert Benton and actors Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep … work with exemplary tact and restraint; we're willing to surrender because we don't feel unfairly manipulated….

“Benton gets splendid performances from the entire cast….

“Meryl Streep also gives a strong performance, but the major weakness of the film is the conception of Joanna's character. She's drawn in very general, almost abstract terms--as an embodiment of the oppressed woman. Joanna spouts a lot of feminist rhetoric about finding herself; the liberal sentiments are impeccable, but they're too vague and hackneyed to register with much force. Neither Corman nor Benton has been able to imagine Joanna with the same wealth of concise, quirky details that help to define Ted. Meryl Streep brings her own emotional intensity to the part. She is one of those rare performers who can imbue the most routine moments with a hint of mystery. Streep is a magical actress, but all of her film performances so far have been exercises in alchemy; she hasn't yet had a substantial role that is really worthy of her talents.”

Stephen Farber
New West, December 17, 1979