Cast 'Marriage Story' in the 80s

'88...

Charlie - Nicolas Cage
Nicole - Michelle Pfeiffer
Nora Fensha - Judy Davis
Jay Marotta - Harvey Keitel (it's too perfect)
Nicole's mom - Lauren Bacall
Bert Spitz - Mickey Rooney (lol)

Denzel Washington and Michelle Pfeiffer -

The problem with Marriage Story - and it's greatest strength - is the (overwritten) script, there is nothing much visually interesting about the film and so specific as to be stifling (surprised De Palma, a genuinely great visual stylist praised it so much). That allows for very fine performances from the page but not a lot of actor-filling in or going beyond (my POV: Driver's performance is the exact opposite in conception as Phoenix, and to me is clearly lesser too).

Washington and Pfeiffer are good with text usually more than they are going off script - though Washington sometimes does it in his better roles and Pfeiffer in ways that go against her appearance. But the simple dynamic of just having two attractive young actors of different races would add a layer to the film - you don't need to directly address it either - it can just be that way and play into the "whose side are you on?" angle.