05/25/06 On The Waterfront

On The Waterfront (1954), directed by Elia Kazan

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

Simply a classic, and most well-known for its famous line by Brando of "I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am..." Yes, it's a mob-influenced story that seems so played out in today's genre, but with Brando at the helm and it never losing its cinematic luster...I couldn't help but fall in love with it. Brando plays washed-up prize fighter-turned longshoreman Terry Malloy, who's brother is involved in the local mafia. Growing up in the shadows of such infamous characters, Terry wishes dearly to live out his life peacefully, all the while latching onto the dreams of his talent that never were. Upon witnessing a killing done by some mob thugs, Terry falls for the dead man's sister...and is instantly put into a tough spot. He wants no part of the drama, but is pulled in both directions by his love for her, and his love for his brother. It's a landmark movie about true-life issues that plagued the blue-collar working environment of the era. Law enforcement commissions are ready to hold hearings to end the racketeering that corrupts the dock-workers union. Taking on wily crime/union boss Johnny Friendly (great name), Terry is now in the fight for his life. With the help of a do-gooder priest, who tries to offer the longshoremen sanctuary for speaking out about the corruption, Terry becomes a tragic hero for the men. It's the simplest of stories, with the most complicated of human characteristics...and Brando acting in his prime (or first prime at least). It's the grittiness of the black & white filming that beautifully captures the dire straits, and a score that fits in perfectly with the story. I though this long-awaited viewing, cemented it's stance as a classic in my mind. Cement shoes that is.

5 out of 5 stars