Review of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) by Paolo K — 26 Sep 2008

Shortly after seeing this film today, I learned of Paul Newman's death and I almost couldn't believe. Paul Newman and Elisabeth Taylor, the stars of this Richard Brooks vehicle, belong to a time long gone. It was a time when it took a genuine talent and breathtaking charisma to actually be a Hollywood star, and it was a time when that place was still synonymous with good film making. It may take us a while to fully comprehend that a generation of genuine acting giants is literally dying off- Marlon Brando, Newman(and Liz isn't looking healthy either lately)...

This film's best property is that it's clear from the start that the story is genuine Tennessee Williams. The tension and the passion are there, and so is the sad atmosphere of an unavoidable doom. Taylor's Maggie is an explosive little vixen, cute as a Meissen figurine, whereas Newman's Brick is an aggressive and disappointed tough guy holding on to a crutch. The film's biggest surprise is Burl Ives, whose Big Daddy dominates the story as the unspoken patriarch who crashes his own birthday party only to successfully ruin it. The six grandkids are totally irritating and by the time the film ends you completely sympathize with Maggie's contempt for the "no-neck monsters". Something about Big Daddy's way with Brick really reminds of Miroslav Krleža's play "Gospoda Glembajevi". Liz Taylor is habitually glamorous in her flowing white dress and looks like a Hermés model, and the 50's scenery works as the perfect backdrop for this Southern Mendacity(as opposed to,say, Southern Comfort). COAHTR should be on the to-see list of every Paul Newman fan. I recommend it!