On The Waterfront Reviews

And the 'Greatest Actor Ever (Past, present and future)' Ocar goes to.... Marlon Brando

Most people hate Brando in this role and call him nicknames such as 'mumble mouth' and what not. However, these criticisms are all rubbish. Brando easily confirms his status as the greatest actor of his generation and beyond. He highlights his ability to convey the paradoxical meaning in a character through Terry Malloy in such a way, that we as the audience, are almost drawn into the film. It is as though Brando is expressing his every thought aloud to us. Again, he improvises in much of the scenes, including the famous 'I could've been contender' speech which was all Brando and not directed by Kazan. A true classic masterpiece... hate to say it... but mainly due to Brando himself in his unforgettable role as Terry Malloy.

A Film You Cannot Refuse

This has to merit top marks, not only because it is a highly watchable and powerful film, but also because of it's landmark status in film history.

Acting on screen was never the same again after the phenomenon that was Marlon Brando. He ushers in a type of heightened realism, a million miles from the more stylised and mannered work of such mega stars before Brando as Spencer Tracy, Cary Grant, Henry Fonda and Gary Cooper. And just watching him in this movie makes you aware of what a debt is owed to his style of playing by Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and practically everyone who has come after them.

This extraordinary revolution in acting style is matched by the wonderful location photography, again a long way from the artificial Hollywood sets which defined cinema in the US up until then. Add to this a great script, sure-footed direction, and wonderful support across the board from Eva Saint, Lee J Cobb, Karl Malden and, memorably, Rod Steiger in the unbelievably moving taxi cab scene.

The story itself is nothing new, being in some ways an updating of the 1930s Warner crime sagas, but the hard edge of the politics and the corruption give the film a new slant. Brando's ability to convey sexuality and vulnerability marked him out as a key interpreter of America's post-War discovery of youth and rebellion against conformity.

In it's way, a true Hollywood masterpiece.

Boring!

Unless you are a fan of old movies this is not for you. The contrast from today's fast and slick action is very pronounced. Also the lighting of the film was poor and faces were often in shadow.

'I coulda been a contender, I coulda been somebody, isnstead I'm just a bum!' This movie has so much style and it's so old fashioned none of today's superstars could act like they do here, a superb example of the genre.

Mesmerising....

performance by Marlon Brando in one of his best films. Although the films looks slightly creaky around the edges you can still see the sheer power of Brando's screen presence shining through, and he is ably supported by the other cast members.

Oh, How it has dated.

It must be a long time since since I last saw this film, and I had not realised how unkindly time would treat it. The contrived situations, the uncertain pace and the trite reactions of the characters leave this film well behind the best films of today, and to be filmed in black and white is another minus point.

Gangsters, Brando and Pigeons... "Class!"

I've only ever seen bits and bobs of this film, including 'that' taxi scene, but now i've watched it fully and I loved it.

Kazan's direction is superb throughout - the film flows in absolute tandem with the character developments so we are sucked in. I really felt involved in the situation the characters were in and that is a testimony to Kazan's ability to work with actors.

Marlon Brando is magnificent in every scene and it still stands up as one of the greatest performances in film. It is hard not to single him out but this does not detract from the other players - Eva Marie Saint is angelic and manages to steal a few scenes with her magnetic beauty.

The film captures the atmosphere of post-war America and begins to question the ethos of the 'American Dream'. With the dark undercurrent of power and love, "On the Waterfront" will always remain a landmark in film history.

If you haven't seen it I strongly recommend it even if it is simply to see Brando and Steiger shine in their most famous scene.

Old-fashioned but excellent

My husband groaned when he saw that another one of my 'Classic movie' (read: black and white, no special effects) selections had arrived. However, he did watch it with me and, like me, was won over by this movie. The plot is interesting--suspenseful and thought provoking. There is a strong good guy vs bad guys overall plot which should interest everyone.

Plus, if you watch this movie, you can relate to all the critics talking about Brando being a hollywood legend (harder to relate to that if you've only seen the Godfather). He is indeed very good in this movie, and the famous 'I coulda been a contender' scene is easier to appreciate if you've seen it in context.

Masterpiece!!

This is an all time classic film highly worthy of all its oscars and its reputation. The plot is excellent as are the characters, and the performances from Karl Malden and Lee J Cobb are exceptional. But of course it's Brando's film. The most famous scene is in the back of the car with his torn brother Charly, but throughout this film there are incredible touches he adds, such as the way he plays with the glove in the scene when he's with Edie sitting on the swing. Overall a definite 5 stars

A real contender

Definitely lives up to all the hype: finally understood why Brando was rated as one of the best actors of his generation. Although he looks a bit odd with his puffy eyelids he has amazing charisma as Terry, and the confrontation with his brother is just as brilliant as it's cracked up to be.

Highly recommended.