24 June – 5 July

Dustin Hoffman (b.1937) is one of the core actors of the New Hollywood, his youthful looks and ordinariness a reaction to the larger than life leading actors who’d preceded him. Trained by Lee Strasberg, Hoffman eschews the brooding intensity of his contemporaries in favour of an everyman just a little out of his depth.

KRAMER VS. KRAMER || THE GRADUTE || MIDNIGHT COWBOY|| STRAIGHT TIME

Dir: Robert Benton
US 1979 105mins 35mm
Ted Kramer is a career man for whom work comes before his family. Unable to take it anymore his wife Joanna leaves him. Left to look after himself and their young son Billy, Ted gradually learns to adjust his life to new responsibilities. When Joanna resurfaces and demands Billy back, Ted refuses to give him up and vows to fight for the custody of their son in court. Capturing the shifting family values of the Baby Boomer generation, this was a critical sensation on its initial release. Stars Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep.

Winner Oscar Best Actor (Dustin Hoffman), Actress (Meryl Streep), Director, Picture and Adapted Screenplay 1980
Listed in 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die

Dir: Mike Nichols
US 1967 105mins 35mm
Benjamin returns home, having graduated from college with no idea of what to do with his life, and embarks on an affair with Mrs. Robinson, a much older woman. Still aimless, Benjamin begins to find some direction when he meets Mrs. Robinson’s daughter Elaine. Featuring a memorable soundtrack by Simon & Garfunkel, this sharp satire on the existential malaise of the middle classes still resonates with audiences today. Hoffman’s first leading role would define his career for years to come. Stars Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft.

Winner Oscar Best Director 1968
Listed in 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die

Dir: John Schlesinger
US 1969 110mns 35mm
Naiive young Texan Joe Buck arrives in New York City with grand ambitions of making it as a gigolo and lands at the bottom of the heap, where he meets sickly hustler Ratso Rizzo. The two tragic losers quickly discover they don’t have much more than each other, and Ratso’s dream of making it to Miami, to depend on. Rough edged shooting in the city streets contrast with Harry Nilsson’s gentle theme song Everybody’s Talkin’ to provide a bleak view of the American Dream for those looking up from the bottom. Stars Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight.

Winner Oscar Best Picture, Director and Adapted Screenplay 1969
Listed in 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die

Dir: Ulu Grosbard
US 1978 114mins 35mm
Career thief Max Dembo is released from prison under the watch of obnoxious parole officer Earl and having a tough time going straight on the outside. Despite a job, a new girlfriend and his best efforts, the vagaries of life and the pettiness of Earl conspire to put Max back in prison as he plans a high stakes heist. In one of his favourite roles, Hoffman once again plays the everyman trying to do the right thing in a system which won’t afford him any peace. Stars Dustin Hoffman, M. Emmet Walsh and Theresa Russell. Print courtesy of the National Film & Sound Archive.

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