Ben WhitcombOn the Waterfront (1954)
September 6th 2008 17:56
I usually have a very hard time understanding and enjoying older movies. It's not easy for me to connect with them. But when I watched this movie for my film analysis class I found myself captivated by it from start to finish. This film open up a whole other world of films to me and for that it hold a special place in my heart.
The thing that drew me in the most was Marlon Brando's performance. There was a subtly in his performance that is rarely found even in today's acting. I can watch the scene with his brother in the cab over and over and it will never cease to amaze me. I was also blown away by Eva Marie Saint's performance, well more blown away by her beauty, but she held her own next to Brando and she got an Oscar for it.
Something else that held my attention so well was the cinematography by Boris Kaufman. It's like you're watching a documentary. The combination of his skill and Elia Kazan direction make you feel like you aren't just watching a movie, it's like you are actually there, one of the other dock workers or some other on looker. Then add that with the amazing score by Leonard Bernstein(who should have gotten the Oscar) it's impossible not to be moved by this picture. The score, just like many other things in the movie, is very subtle. It's there, affecting you, but you don't really notice it. I thought it was perfect.
I know this movie is base on real events and semi autobiographical. It was very controversial when it came out. That's another thing I love about this movie, it was topical for the time, but it has also stood the test of time because of it's timeless message of the power of one and good triumphing over evil. I recommend this movie to everyone.
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You don't understand. I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody.