On The Waterfront

On the Waterfront (1954)

Runtime: 108 minutes

Directed by: Elia Kazan

Starring: Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, Lee J. Cobb, Rod Steiger, Eva Marie Saint

From: Columbia

I don't have a lot to say now, except that I finally saw this classic movie, and as least in my eyes it still does deserve the status of being an all time great. Read why in the Letterboxd review below:

This is one of those times I have to admit embarrassment at not seeing a classic film; this was me with On the Waterfront until last night, when I saw it on TCM. I now wish I would have seen it sooner, as the movie is outstanding.

In short: the plot centers around Terry Malloy (Marlon Brando), who works at the docks and because his brother works closely with the mob-connected union boss known as Johnny Friendly (Lee J. Cobb), Terry has an easy job while the rest of the blue collar workers have a rough go of it as they are constantly mistreated and paid poorly. After Terry unwittingly assists in the murder of Joey Doyle (a man about to talk to prosecutors), he gets to know Joey's sister Edie (Eva Marie Saint) and they fall in love. With the added pressure of a priest (Karl Malden) who wishes to rid the docks of corruption, and Terry has to make several different choices and no matter what he chooses, the ex-boxer will anger some people and the consequences could be deadly.

Everything about this movie is great: the direction from Kazan, the captivating story, the real life blue collar setting of the shipping yard and the surrounding neighborhood, the score from Leonard Bernstein, and Boris Kaufman's cinematography are but a few examples. However, it's the performances from the cast as a whole that makes this a classic. From Cobb as the detestable villain and Malden as the priest to Steiger as Terry's brother and Eva Marie Saint in her debut, all are quality acting jobs. But it is Marlon Brando in the lead who is legendary; it is an all-time great performance from him. It's not an easy role as he has to go through the gamut of emotions and he knocked it out of the park.

Of course for years I've known of the “I coulda been a contenda” line but never knew the context of how it was used. Now, I finally know and that is an all time great scene in the back of the cab between Brando and Steiger. Then again there are many great scenes throughout. It will remind you why Brando-despite all those issues later in life-still has such a reputation for his acting skill. I say that this is a classic worth seeing, as it will tell you not to live a D & D (deaf and dumb) life and you'll be inspired by the journey of Terry Malloy. What an ending it has too.