Review of A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) by Kok Hoong F — 02 Sep 2012

Viewed on 27/6/04 (Sun).

I remember back in 1995, when I was still in the army, they screened this director's version in the cinemas for only one week. Too bad when I returned from reservist training in Taiwan, it was taken off the screens. I was thinking what a pity that I couldn't see it.

Now that I have seen it, I feel relieved. Being very draggy and stagey, I would not be able to sit still in my seat. The actors mumble very fast most of the times, esp Vivien Leigh. It would be impossible to catch the dialogue without the subtitles.

Before Marlon Brandon became a whale, gee, he was so hunky and handsome back in 1951. He was the '50s' Brad Pitt. There is some kind of raw eroticism in him. There is a reason why they put him on the cover of DVD even though he is not really the main star.

The story is very morbid; there are hints of casual sex, prostitution and even incest. The director's version restores some of the scenes deemed unfit back then.

I fear classics because they can be too serious and dull. Sadly, this movie falls in that category.

Rating: B-.