Review of On the Waterfront (1954) by Jamie B — 14 Jun 2009

Okay, the film reeks of McCarthyist attitudes and Kazan originally made this as his "apology" for ratting out people in the late 40s/early 50s, but watching this film you cannot really tell of Kazan's originally intention because it really is about fighting and standing up to corruption.

After playing romantic leads and drunk, abusive neanderthals, this movie showed that there is a human heart in Marlon Brando and that he could bring a tough humility to the screen, which rightly earned him a Best Actor Oscar for this film.

And, like a dancer, he is met equally by the talent of Eva Marie Saint in her film debut, who instigates, knows, contemplates, and forgives Brando and the corrupt Waterfront community that you have to give her the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for that year.

Brando's Terry Malloy might have been a contenda on screen, but is left unmatched off. Saint's Edie Doyle is no innocent, seductive femme fatale either. When these two are on screen together, they dance dramatically in a way you never forget.

Also, Rod Steiger leaves an indeliable impression as Terry's brother. Not to mention, one of the first films to show African Americans as people who can deliver important lines and not just stereotypical jibjabs.

It earned every Oscar it got, including Best Picture. But I do not put Kazan off the hook.