Rent On the Waterfront (1954)

A 100% classic - On the Waterfront review by PT

" I could have been a contender, I could have had class, I could have been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am let's face it". The above is part of, arguably, the greatest monologue ever spoken in a film. This film has it all, brilliant script, direction and amazing performances from all the protagonists. Terry Malloy (Brando) battles with his conscious to do the right thing. The only trouble is the right thing in question means ratting on the father like figure of Johnny Friendly (Lee J Cob). Under pressure from the mob on one side, and his girl Edie Doyle and priest Father Barry on the other, the film basically charts Malloy's internal/external mental battle, brilliantly shown by Malloy's jorney. This film is the ultimate classic.

Political Polemic (spoilers). - On the Waterfront review by Steve

Hollywood social realism which was nominated for 12 Academy Awards; and won eight, including best picture and director. But this landmark polemic on the corruption of New Jersey dockworker unions by criminal gangs no longer works. Bud Schulberg's celebrated script now feels sanctimonious, naive and verbose. In particular, Karl Malden's crusading priest dates it badly.

His long sermon at a murder scene is insufferable. The uninspired uplift of the ending may have been enforced by the Production Code, nevertheless, there it is. This isn't neorealism because of the big studio stars, admittedly deglamorised. Marlon Brando is the ex-boxer whose crisis of conscience brings the crooked system down.

The legendary performances are uneven, though Brando's Oscar is well deserved. His talent survives the period defining effect of the Method. But Malden is stiffed with his dud role and Eva Marie Saint is melodramatic as the suffering love interest. It is skilfully directed by Elia Kazan in well chosen locations with realistic costumes and set design. Leonard Bernstein's jazz score feels just right.

And maybe it's reasonable to indulge aspects of a film released in the middle of the last century. But this is difficult because the whole bundle was made to justify Kazan and Schulberg, who sold out their colleagues to HUAC. Which is hard to endure. They are the victims and the heroes of this story. The hubris is off the scale. This title is weighted by a huge asterisk.

On the Waterfront - Classic Elia Kazan film about trade union corruption - On the Waterfront review by OL

A great film with Marlon Brando and Eva Marie Saint in her first film role. Rod Steiger in a supporting role. Lifts a lid on the mob link with the Unions. Onto the film. Perhaps overrated like Marlon Brando.

A bit slow to get into but classic lines more than make for it. Film lovers should watch.