Review of A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) by Danny R — 25 Jul 2015

Ellia Kazan's stunning cinematic adaptation of Tennessee Williams' play, with young Marlon Brando who was one of the finest and most renowned Method actors of all-time, he brings a raw masculinity and sexualized energy to his brilliant, blistering Academy Award nominated portrayal of the animalistic Stanley Kowlalski, which made him an instant star, and the beautiful Vivien Leigh, a classically-trained actress, who delivers a magnificent Academy Award winning performance as the fragile, delusional, neurotic sister-in-law Blanche DuBois, she gives the character a subtle kind of dignity that was only hinted at in the play.

Blanche constant need to take baths, attempting to cleanse herself of her past sins, and the resistance she shows to being seen in the full light of day, Leigh portrayal is quite impressive. The film is set in French Quarter of New Orleans just after World War II, where Blanche visits her pregnant sister and her brutish husband Stanley, who torments her, and fights her for a portion of an inheritance that she has already lost, despite the sexual tension between them.

A classic in every sense of the word, with brilliant direction by Kazan, striking black & white cinematography by Harry Stradling Sr., and a highly influential jazz score by Alex North. Kim Hunter and Karl Malden won Academy Awards for the flawless supporting performances, but it's Brando who left an indelible mark on cinematic history with this unforgettable performance.

Highly Recommended.