Review of A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) by Steven S — 01 Jul 2009

A milestone in the history of cinema. This is one of the top most powerful dramas I have ever laid my eyes on. Set in New Orleans, the story is about a woman named Blanche DuBois (portrayed by Vivien Leigh), who is out of town by having an earlier problem with a teenage boy in her hometown.

Entering New Orleans, she begins to live with her sister, Stella (portrayed by Kim Hunter). Living with Stella is the angry and crazed husband, Stanely (portrayed by Marlon Brando). Interesting, yet shocking things start happening around their house when Stanely tries to crawl underneath Blanche's skin trying to reveal her shadowy, dark past.

A man who takes a high interest in her though is Stanley's friend, Harold (portrayed by Karl Malden). Harold is an average nice guy who lives with his mother, but has the heart of a sweet man. But learning about Blanche's dark past, he tends to not be as sweet as he seems.

Bizzare results this movie had. This is the movei that changed the way films are created, and thats having the movies "grow up" a little bit. Especially after seeing of the most terrifying scenes in the film which is between Stanely and Blanche (I will not say what the scene is, you must find out on your own).

Another Kazan masterpiece, this movie has taken a giant turn in film-making and gave film-makers time to think on what they can do to make movies like these. Vivien Leigh was absolutely astounding as Blance DuBois.

This is my favorite performance by her, you just get so attached to her character, and she just delivers everything so well, from being a patient woman to a real mental woman. If the Screen Actors Guild Awards existed back then, this movie would've definately won it, because each actor/actress set their scenes up with such power, you just stay latched on with many, many jaw-dropping moments.