The Human Stain (2003-)

Movie Review

Two fine actors – Nicole Kidman and Anthony Hopkins – try to generate a little sexual chemistry in “The Human Stain,” directed by Robert Benton and based on the Philip Roth novel.

Adapted from Pulitzer Prize-winner Roth’s critically acclaimed work, “The Human Stain” is the emotionally wrenching story of Professor Coleman Silk (Hopkins), a tormented man who lives in a self-imposed state of denial. After decades of teaching, Silk makes an unfortunate comment that’s taken as a racial slur. Forced from his job by the powers that be, a lonely and dejected Silk turns to writer Nathan Zuckerman (Gary Sinise) for help with a novel. A companionable relationship quickly forms between the two men, with Silk opening up far more with Zuckerman than with most of the people he’s encountered in his life. Yet the one big secret he fights to protect stays concealed, even from this man who becomes his closest friend and confidante.