On the Waterfront (1954)

A film of major social importance; not to mention utterly fascinating to watch...

A staple for any fan of Marlon Brando, `On the Waterfront' is much more than a showcase for the actor's immense talent. No, `On the Waterfront' is a brilliant study of oppression, power and the struggle for control, not of others but of ones self. Sure, Brando delivers one of the finest performances of his career, but even with his dynamic performance stripped from the films core we are still left with a magnificent film that will stand the tests of time.

Marlon Brando plays Terry Malloy, an ex-prizefighter turned longshoreman living in New Jersey. The docks are run by the mob, everyone knows this, but when Terry unwittingly aids in the murder of a friend his conscience starts to wage war with his common sense. He knows that rising up against Johnny Friendly and his men could mean his life, but he also knows that sitting on evidence that only he can provide could mean his soul, and this inner struggle is what fuels the films tension. Terry becomes involved romantically with the deceased's sister Edie and becomes wrapped up in the fiery determination of Father Barry to put an end to Friendly's tirade.

`On the Waterfront' is one minute steely and rugged, the next soft and serene. It is at one extreme sincere and fragile and at the other harsh and manipulative. What is so brilliant about `On the Waterfront' is that it balances those extremes beautifully in order to create a film that is strong and endearing; one that we can appreciate and relate to.

As Terry convinces himself of the right course to take we are torn, because we like him and we want to see him make it out of this in tact. We know that his decision could mean his death and this scares us, almost enough to wish he'd reconsider, but we know him and we know that his life is better saved in the spiritual sense than saved in the physical sense. Terry's plight is one that we all do well to contemplate for it is a very real example of situations that we all face on a daily basis, yet most likely not to this extreme. We are all faced with conundrums of the conscience and we are always looking for a way out.

What would you have done?

Marlon Brando truly gives and inspired and flawless performance. There really isn't enough good to say about this fantastic performance. Eve Marie Saint is also wonderfully used as Edie, the moral crux at the films core. Karl Malden is brilliant as Father Barry, and I truly wish he had joined Brando and Saint as Oscar winners that year. His portrayal of the conflicted priest is outstanding and truly memorable amidst a very memorable cast. Rod Steiger is great as Charley, Terry's gangster brother and Lee J. Cobb is truly blood curdling as Johnny Friendly; such a diabolical turn.

Everything about this film hits the mark just right; from the acting to the script to the masterful direction on the part of Elia Kazan. The mood is perfectly set, the black and white tones are rich and engrossing, the music is flawlessly captivating and the film editing keeps us wrapped up in every scene. In a nutshell `On the Waterfront' is flawless. September 19, 2008

Among the greats

Probably the only good thing produced by "McCarthyism"; in the end it is the story of "ratting out" by Kazan, who testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee, naming his friends.

But it is also the story of standing up to evil. It is a post-WWII commentary on that achievement. And, in this regard Brando creates a hero for the ages in a remarkable picture in which I see something new every time I watch it.

Look, for example, for the New Testament parables, The "cloak" in the form of the Jacket that ends up with Terry Malloy, and Dugan's "ascension" from the cargo hold after the sermon, as it is slowly raised. Not to mention Terry's struggle to get up and walk in the end, bearing the cross of his truth-telling. August 25, 2008

Brando at his best

I hate to admit it, but I never really got the whole Brando thing. Then again, I really only had The Godfather to base that on-and I'm not really a mafia-movie chick. This is film making at its finest. Brando shines-and was clearly a pretty boy in his time. Strong script and great performances by both Brando and Steiger. While I like the "contender" scene, I think it paled to the scene when Terry is trying to connect with Edie in the bar/cafe scene. Overall-great film. If you haven't had a chance to see it-do yourself a favor.

May 29, 2008

one of the best ever

This is absolutely a must see film. It has history (created by Kazan to be an answer to Miller's The Crucible), reality (was shot on the docks with many of actual long shoremen as actors), and great acting. There are four acting oscar nominations for this film. (Brando, Saint, Malden, Cobb)It is one of those films that make you stand and cheer. Even my students who are seniors in high school broke into applause when I showed it to them. May 27, 2008

One of the Best of All Time! Too Bad About the DVD!

This is one of my favourite movies of all time for its very powerful message about doing the right thing despite the consequences and about sins of omission being just as or even more damning then sins of commission. The screenplay was excellent and the acting especially of Brando and Steiger was even better. This was Brando's best ever performance on screen and this film is among the top ten ever made.

The only problem is with the dvd which had few special features worth mentioning and had many picture and sound quality deficiencies. Here's hoping that with the advent of Blu-ray they will take the opportunity to thoroughly remaster and restore the sound and picture quality. For the former a remastered Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround sound option would be much appreciated.

This film belongs in every film fan's dvd library but give this dvd version a miss until a much better restored version surfaces. Here's me waiting with bated breath. May 8, 2008

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