
Overview
Director Robert Benton brings Philip Roth's 2000 novel THE HUMAN STAIN to the screen in this lavish production, with expert cinematography from Jean-Yves Escoffier. Coleman Silk (Anthony Hopkins) is a light-skinned African-American college professor who has kept his true racial identity secret for the majority of his life. His career comes to a sudden halt when he makes a comment that is misinterpreted as a racial slur. Soon after he is fired, Silk hooks up with young Faunia Farely (Nicole Kidman), a local janitor. The affair with Farely, who is almost half Silk's age, becomes small-town gossip, and attracts the attention of Farely's psychotic ex-husband, Lester (Ed Harris). As Lester seeks vengeance, still angry at his ex-wife, Silk must make some tough decisions about his affair with Farely, leading to the film's nail-biting conclusion. Benton draws incredibly convincing performances from his two lead actors. Hopkins ably transcends his Caucasian ethnicity to play an African American. And Kidman fully embraces her character as a downtrodden janitor who is determined to rise beyond her humble beginnings. The two actors conquer the difficult subject matter, offering fascinating commentary on racial mores and relationship issues.
Awards:
Main Cast & Crew:
Robert Benton - Director
Anthony Hopkins
Nicole Kidman
Ed Harris
Gary Sinise
Wentworth Miller
Jacinda Barrett
Harry Lennix
Clark Gregg
Anna Deavere Smith
Lizan Mitchell
Details
- Format: DVD (Amaray Case, Dubbed, AC-3, Dolby, Widescreen)
- Run Time: 105
- Color Format: Color
- UPC: 191329202289
- Genre: DRAMA
- Rating: R
- Release Date: July 2021

Movie Reviews
Notes:
Theatrical Release: October 31, 2003 (NY/LA)
Director of Photography Jean-Yves Escoffier died in early 2003 from heart failure. THE HUMAN STAIN was his last film.
Reviews:
"...It's the flashes of dramatic lightning that make it a trip worth taking..." - 10/16/2003 Rolling Stone, p.94
"...The filmmakers explicate Mr. Roth's themes with admirable clarity and care and observe his characters with delicate fondness..." - 10/31/2003 New York Times, p.E1
"...There's a real conviction in these performances..." - 10/31/2003 Los Angeles Times, p.C4
"[A]mbitious and fascinating..." - 10/31/2003 Chicago Sun-Times, p.33
"[With] restrained and disciplined playing by Anthony Hopkins and Wentworth Miller..." - 03/01/2004 Sight and Sound, p.46
"Both risky and tender." - 09/01/2004 Uncut, p.140