Review of A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) by Sausages M — 04 May 2013
Not overrated, this film really is that rare thing- perfect. Everyone hits the right note and the story and direction are the very best. Brando always gets the credit in this film, and he is great- you really dislike but can't hate Stanley; he's just the Awful Truth made flesh.
Of course, Vivien Leigh's Blanche absolutely runs away with the picture; but not selfishly. This is not your modern 'vehicle', it's a streetcar- everyone's along for the ride. By that I mean that the supporting players, Kim Hunter's Stella and Karl Malden's Mitch do a fine job as well.
Tennessee Williams' plays are all the same, in a way- it's all a few rooms and a lot of claustrophobia and drama, but this is what makes them so engaging. In the hands of anyone else, Miss Dubois' extended flowery monologues would become grating but Vivien Leigh completely inhabits the character in a way that doesn't overwhelm the picture.
Elia Kazan must have really understood what he needed because here is a film in perfect balance. Brilliant.
This review of A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) was written by Sausages M on 04 May 2013.
A Streetcar Named Desire has generally received very positive reviews.
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