Silkwood

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Silkwood ★★★ 1983 (R)

The story of Karen Silkwood, who died in a 1974 car crash under suspicious circumstances. She was a nuclear plant worker and activist who was investigating shoddy practices at the plant. Streep acts up a storm, disappearing completely into her character. Cher surprises with her fine portrayal of a lesbian co-worker, and Russell is also good. Nichols has a tough time since we already know the ending, but he brings top-notch performances from his excellent cast. 131m/C VHS, DVD . Meryl Streep, Kurt Russell, Cher, Diana Scarwid, Bruce McGill, Fred Ward, David Strathairn, Ron Silver, Josef Sommer, Craig T. Nelson; D: Mike Nichols; W: Nora Ephron, Alice Arlen; C: Miroslav Ondricek; M: Georges Delerue. Golden Globes '84: Support. Actress (Cher).