This is an actor's film. What an incredible cast, led by Marlon Brando. He has more range as an actor than virtually anyone I can imagine. His face is so expressive and his method acting pristine. He is such a complex character in this movie. How do you do the right thing. We are taught to hide feelings, not betray trusts (snitch), and yet how do we help the little guy, the downtrodden if we don't. It's a remarkable film about a man who has to do what he has to do and face beatings and exclusion and a reputation these dock workers would not want. He also has few prospects as the famous taxi scene shows us. It's too bad Brando had so many hang ups but maybe that's what made him great. There isn't an actor worth his salt that wouldn't want to have given one of those Brando performances, let alone the several glowing ones he did give. As he walks down the street, bloody, barely alive, we see a picture of determination like no other in film history. In his sorry state he is majestic and unbowed.
Review of On the Waterfront
