Benefit
Bluelighter
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2002
- Messages
- 5,193
This is a film that transcends the power of description. You cannot really describe Marlon Brando's performance as Stanley Kowalski. You have to see it. Brando's animal magnetism, his charisma, his charm, his brutality, his effortless grace, the hint of insanity. This was the first movie I've ever watched where I could not take my eyes off of an actor. Virtually every scene featuring Brando, from his introduction, to the more conventionally famous "STELLAAAA" scene, to the climactic rape scene; they are all flawless. Method acting had arrived.
I believe this is the best acting performance of all time. Henry Fonda turned in some great performances in the 1940s, but Brando is still miles ahead of him and hundreds of miles ahead of Humphrey Bogart, Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne and everyone else of the era. Maybe someone revolutionized acting before Brando and to a greater degree. If so, I don't know about it and please enlighten me.
The source material for Streetcar also provides for some of its greatness. The virtuosity of the eminently talented Tennessee Williams bleeds through everywhere, and the fact that they transposed the stage play to the screen largely intact (cast included) was a wonderful creative decision as it maintained the continuity. The introduction of Vivien Leigh, who I have never considered very talented, was a questionable decision but she is at least passable as neurotic Blanche DuBois (apparently she was a nut in real life, too). Lots of memorable lines.
I would give anything to go back in time and see the original stage production of this play, but I will have to content myself with masturbating to fading memories of an obese Marlon Brando eating Italian ice on Santa Monica Blvd.
I believe this is the best acting performance of all time. Henry Fonda turned in some great performances in the 1940s, but Brando is still miles ahead of him and hundreds of miles ahead of Humphrey Bogart, Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne and everyone else of the era. Maybe someone revolutionized acting before Brando and to a greater degree. If so, I don't know about it and please enlighten me.
The source material for Streetcar also provides for some of its greatness. The virtuosity of the eminently talented Tennessee Williams bleeds through everywhere, and the fact that they transposed the stage play to the screen largely intact (cast included) was a wonderful creative decision as it maintained the continuity. The introduction of Vivien Leigh, who I have never considered very talented, was a questionable decision but she is at least passable as neurotic Blanche DuBois (apparently she was a nut in real life, too). Lots of memorable lines.
I would give anything to go back in time and see the original stage production of this play, but I will have to content myself with masturbating to fading memories of an obese Marlon Brando eating Italian ice on Santa Monica Blvd.
that scene, it chokes me up every time.