On the Waterfront

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Theodore L Feb 13, 2019 Best thriller, drama classic movie,Marlon Brando had proved it by his talents.I still remember his character famous quote:" You don't understand! I could'a had class. I could'a been a contender. I could've been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let's face it." See more

Theodore P Feb 12, 2019 This classic story of Mob informers was based on a number of true stories and filmed on location in and around the docks of New York and New Jersey. Mob-connected union boss Johnny Friendly (Lee J. Cobb) rules the waterfront with an iron fist. The police know that he's been responsible for a number of murders, but witnesses play deaf and dumb ("plead D & D"). Washed-up boxer Terry Malloy (Marlon Brando) has had an errand-boy job because of the influence of his brother Charley, a crooked union lawyer (Rod Steiger). Witnessing one of Friendly's rub-outs, Terry is willing to keep his mouth shut until he meets the dead dockworker's sister, Edie (Eva Marie Saint). "Waterfront priest" Father Barry (Karl Malden) tells Terry that Edie's brother was killed because he was going to testify against boss Friendly before the crime commission. Because he could have intervened, but didn't, Terry feels somewhat responsible for the death. 1955 Best Picture . Best Actor in a Leading Role Marlon Brando with his electrifying performance . Hollywood newcomer in her first role Eva Marie Saint was mesmerizing winning her ; Best Actress in a Supporting Role . On the Waterfront won Oscars also for Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay. A powerful watch, thanks largely to an incredible cast, Leonard Bernstein's strong score, and a handful of iconic scenes, none better than the moving "I coulda been a contender" sequence. This brutal, violently realistic drama, set against the sordid background of the New York waterfront, packs a terrific wallop that results in topflight entertainment. Marlon Brando redefined the possibilities of acting for film and helped permanently alter the cinematic landscape. It's pretty electrifying. It's pretty electrifying. It's pretty electrifying. See more

Theodore R Dec 6, 2018 Kazan's one-more-round attitude for this fist to fist challenge is blatantly grant. On The Waterfront Kazan's one-more-round attitude for this fist to fist challenge is blatantly grant. It defines cinema at its finest. All the genres, from drama to thriller and from romance to politics, the tone fluctuates like never before and still remains persistent like always before. The conversations between Brando and Marie Saint does spark romance. The anticipated qualifications for the equations to move forward as the story enfolds ought to be convincing and is delivered thoroughly in here with gripping screenplay. One of the primary strength of the feature is its ferocious pace, leaping from one sequence to another, each moment is a pure delight. Blending it all in, the huge cast, high pitched dramatic sequences, complex relationship, morality conflicts and a vital message, all wrapped up in an envelope, this is as cinematic as the cinema can be. And since it fiddles with multiple characters, it has to and does offer each of them a moment to stand alone and factor in effectively. The priest, the antagonist and the protagonist, each of them has something to say and Kazan gives them the stage an actor always aspires for. Brando as a troubled complex guy seeking his voice fabricates his performance with power and vulnerability to appear more human and welcoming host to its audience. It is definitely one of the best performance of his life and supporting him all the way is a great cast like Malden as a bratty king with the crown and Marie Saint as the love affair and the inner voice of Brando. Kazan's neat and clean vision of street gangster's is more lethal than Scorsese's in here. On The Waterfront is clearly a film ahead of its time and it has managed to keep us busy and electrified even after decades. See more

Luke R Nov 16, 2018 On the Waterfront is a timeless classic that still resonates today, fueled by arguably Marlon Brando's best performance and acting that has changed the way people act forever. See more

Finn S Nov 6, 2018 Many movies have reputations that precede them so much that you feel like you've already seen them before you even watch a frame. This is one of those classics that shows up in every Oscars montage. We all know the immortal Brando line, "I coulda been a contender." But I didn't know a single thing else about this movie. Other than Brando. We all know this is THE Brando movie. So I went into Elia Kazan's Oscar-sweeping feature knowing just that one thing. And I enjoyed the movie, I did, but will be honest- I don't think I fully got it. This is one of those movies that warrant a second viewing where you have more historical context. Or you see it with a fan and they explain it you and then you are fully onboard with it. However, I'm just not there yet. Anyhow, the story seems fairly simple (I could have missed a lot here). A man (presumably a union worker and all-around nice guy based on how the folk described him in the flick) falls from a building and dies and it appears to be union or mob-related. Marlon Brando's Terry Malloy is in the middle of this as he has allegiances to the mob union guys AND becomes romantically involved with the man who fell's sister (Eva Marie Saint- still alive 64 years later). He falls for her but not off a building. That's a joke, I guess. The performances, direction, and cinematography is all way ahead of its time- eschewing staginess for naturalism. Also, it was a treat to get a peek into the era as well seeing the importance of birds and what 1950s New Jersey looked like. Seeing character actors that would blow up in the next few years (Karl Malden, Rod Steiger to name a few) was nice as well. This is one film I will definitely be revisiting and hopefully, my review won't be so surface level. In fact, I think this review could stand quite nicelyâ¦on the waterfront. See more

Finn R Aug 18, 2018 One of the most thoughtful movies ever. Elia Kazan's 1954 masterpiece is a lovely romance film that doubles as a crime drama. Kazan's direction is peerless as every shot is perfectly framed. You can picture every scene in your head with his unique framing, grounded storytelling, fast pace, realistic characterization, bloody violence, gritty aesthetic, and emotional realism. On the Waterfront is as real to life as movies get in all honesty. Kazan has directed several great films in his career such as A Streetcar Named Desire, Viva Zapata!, On the Waterfront, and then East of Eden. His directorial prowess is self evident. Kazan earned every accolade he received for On the Waterfront including Best Director. I must mention Leonard Bernstein's iconic score for On the Waterfront. Bernstein's emotional and chaotic classical composition fits each scene perfectly. He matches the tone note for note with really clever music cues for the most dramatic turns. The hectic chases and fights are met with vigorous symphonic crashes, while the intimate moments of romance find the score swelling with a tender touch. This is top tier film composing at its finest. Bernstein only had to make this score alone to be legendary to me. Notably, Marlon Brando gives the most emotional performance of his life in On the Waterfront. Brando captures the tough guy machismo of a former boxer with the empathetic sincerity of a decent young man. His take on romance as simple honesty is inspired. Brando uses his voice so well as he emotes such hopelessness and frustration throughout On the Waterfront. You can see for yourself why this role changed acting forever after. Brando delivers what is perhaps his finest acting herein and it is quite moving. Similarly, Eva Marie Saint absolutely nails it in her acting debut. She plays the innocent and naive girl trying to find justice for her brother. Her portrayal of a good girl and strong woman is really amazing. She stands up for herself and gives strength to Brando's character. Their chemistry is immediate and apparent. Saint is stunning to look at, but also a brilliant dramatic actress. She captures the will of a woman who will not take it anymore in a passionate performance like no other. I love Saint in On the Waterfront. Overall, On the Waterfront remains an all time classic of cinema. It is innovative and beautiful, while also influencing every director and actor after its release. I think it holds up wonderfully thanks to Elia Kazan's steadfast direction and the expressive acting from Marlon Brando and Eva Marie Saint. This is truly a must watch film. See more

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On the Waterfront

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