KRAMER VS. KRAMER script analysis
Advertising executive Ted Kramer must suddenly become a single parent when his wife Joanna abandons their son. As he stumbles through child care and courtroom battles, Ted learns what truly matters. In the end, he proves his devotion and finds a new balance with Billy.
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Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target
Introduces Ted anxiously waiting on his ad pitch, establishing his professional world and emotional state.
Ted, will you take it easy? Revlon's not about to drop an account that represents more than two...
Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target
Joanna’s loving good-night to Billy hints at the film’s theme of parental love and responsibility.
I love you, Billy...
Scenes 1-5 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target
We meet Ted at work, see family life at home, and Joanna quietly packs—establishing characters and status quo.
Scene 12 / Page 2 / 12% target
Joanna abruptly tells Ted she’s leaving him, upending his life.
Ted, I'm leaving you.
Scenes 13-17 / Pages 2-3 / 20% target
Ted panics over Joanna’s departure, struggles with Billy alone and wonders if he can cope.
Ted, I can't... I tried... I really tried but... I just can't hack it anymore...
Scenes 17-18 / Page 3 / 25% target
Ted faces the new world of single parenthood when Billy wakes up without his mother.
Okay, I'm going to tell you... It's like this. Mommy and daddy had a little argument and mommy...
Scene 38 / Page 6 / 30% target
Ted’s relationship with Phyllis begins, providing the emotional subplot and support.
Yes, I'll have dinner with you.
Scene 33 / Page 5 / 40% target
Montage-style supermarket trip shows Ted fumbling then bonding with Billy.
That's not the right soap. We use the kind in the green and yellow box.
Scene 44 / Page 8 / 50% target
Ted confronts O’Connor, asserting himself at work—raising stakes in both career and personal life.
Look, Billy, I told you before, one hour of T.V. a day, that's the rule...
Scene 45 / Page 8 / 65% target
Ted’s stress peaks as he scolds Billy for spilling juice, showing work/home pressures colliding.
Goddamnit, can't you watch what you're doing!
Scene 68 / Page 13 / 75% target
Ted is fired by O’Connor, losing both job security and identity—rock bottom moment.
Look, ah... Ted. I just got word from the guys at Revlon and... ah they did some marketing...
Scene 71 / Page 14 / 80% target
Desperate Ted faces unemployment with a child to support, questioning his worth.
What?! What do you mean, I don't understand.
Scene 64 / Page 12 / 85% target
Joanna reappears wanting custody, forcing Ted to fight in court.
Hello, Ted. You look well.
Scene 95 / Page 17 / 95% target
Shaunessy delivers verdict—Ted loses custody but affirms his love and commitment.
The judge went for motherhood straight down the line.
Scene 106 / Page 22 / 99% target
Ted and Billy happily walk to the park together, a new beginning after all they’ve endured.