One of the greatest performances of all time, and one of the truly great moral dramas too.
Marlon Brando is one of the all time great actors, and perhaps one of the most influential actors in the history of cinema. This is perhaps his most iconic and influential performance, outside the obvious of cause (cough, oranges, cough). So the big question I suppose is this, does it live up to it's own acclaim? The answer in short is a resounding yes, but there is far more to it than that.
Outside of Brando himself, the cast is outstanding. Lee J. Cobb brings his trademark intensity to this meaty character role. He plays the arrogant, manipulative and controlling union boss, basically the role that Cobb was born to play. He is a joy, easily one of the most memorable villains from 50's American cinema. Karl Malden also brings and intense, yet patient presence as the local Priest who attempts to right the wrongs of the waterfront, he like Cobb was truly a great character actor. Finally Eva Marie Saint offers an emotionally identifiable love interest, and makes the perfect romantic foil for Brando's flawed anti-hero. Between these three great supporting performances, and a stew of other enjoyable bit roles, I can safely say that this film is something of a landmark for sheer acting talent. Not least because of the star.
Mr. Brando's Terry Malloy is perhaps one of the perfect protagonists in American cinema. A confused, flawed and lazy loser who would have been perfectly prepared to watch his life spiral down the drain that is the Waterfront. However it is his honest heart and hidden good nature which redeems him in the end. His eventual decision to spare Johnny Friendly and fight him through the law sends a message of peaceful protest and restraint in times of horrific pain, and his final walk through the doors of the shipyard is as iconic as it is for a reason. It is Brando that makes this character however. His natural speaking pattern, the look of careful curiosity in his eyes during the first act, and the look of willful defiance in the final acts, are all examples of the power possessed by this man. I insist that this film be viewed simply for how Brando shows how an actor can completely lose them-self within a role.
Beyond the acting, the film's wonderfully woven tapestry of a screenplay is a joy to watch unfold. Clear, simple and streamlined, but also rife with real human drama and emotion. Defiantly one of the definitive morality tales told on the screen. This wonderful script is punctuated by smooth and well thought out dialogue, allowing the brilliant actors to spread their wings and show off their astonishing talents.
The cinematography. lighting and set design are all perfect too. Conveying the dusty and dry environment of the Waterfront in an uncompromising fashion, creating an oppressive and decaying world through its grey and lifeless sets, and downbeat environments. It looks absolutely perfect, portraying the life of longshormen flawlessly through their tattered clothes and greyscale city-scape.
In conclusion, I adore this film. I view it as one of the all-time powerhouses of classic American cinema, through its flawless aesthetic and the outstanding performance form Marlon Brando.
By Jack D. Phillips
A Zoom Film Review
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