Review of Marty (1955) by Lanning : — 17 Dec 2007

Way back, I wrote a comment about Ernest Borgnine in The Wild Bunch, that his performance in that may be one of his best, although, as I mentioned, his performance in Marty is justifiably celebrated. I've just seen Marty again, and with a fresh viewing after ten years or so, I must say that he deserves every ounce of his best actor Oscar.

Borgnine is perfect here. In an emotional roller coaster of a role, Borgnine captures perfectly the psychological depths of low self-image and esteem as well as the glorious heights of love finally found and won.

A brilliant performance not to be missed. Just for the record, Marty won four Academy Awards, including best screenplay for Paddy Chayefsky. Check out the competition for 1955: Best Picture went to Marty, beating Love is a Many-Splendored Thing, Mister Roberts, Picnic, and The Rose Tattoo.

Best Actor went to Borgnine for Marty, up against James Cagney in Love Me or Leave Me, James Dean in East of Eden, Frank Sinatra in The Man With the Golden Arm, and Spencer Tracy in Bad Day at Black Rock.

Personally, I find it hard to believe that William Holden wasn't nominated for his job in Picnic, but what do I know? Best Supporting Actor was a great win for Jack Lemmon in Mister Roberts, competing with Arthur Kennedy in Trial, Joe Mantell in Marty, Sal Mineo in Rebel Without a Cause, and Arthur O'Connell in Picnic.

Best Supporting Actress went to Jo Van Fleet in East of Eden over Betsy Blair in Marty, Peggy Lee in Pete Kelly's Blues, Marisa Pavan in The Rose Tattoo, and Natalie Wood in Rebel Without a Cause.

Finally, Delbert Mann took Best Director honors for Marty over Elia Kazan for East of Eden, David Lean for Summertime, Joshua Logan for Picnic, and John Sturges for Bad Day at Black Rock. Wow! What a great year for movies!