I saw this movie many many years ago when I took a summer creative writing course in high school. Why did we watch this film? Can't remember. We also watched Jaws. I remember the teacher talking a lot about the emotions the directors were creating in scenes. That and him talking a lot about the blacklisting of Elia Kazan. I also remember I kinda liked On The Waterfront. I wasn't a great student(understatement). I always did better in summer school. I always had to take summer school to make up for all of the Fs I got during the regular school year too. Why I did better in summer school? Dunno. I did amazing in college, so go figure. Anyway, this was one of the first classes that I actually did good in and felt accomplished. So I have very very good memories of this movie, so I was looking forward to seeing it again.
I was out of town and the silent summer film festival was going on last weekend. That's part of the reason I'm so behind, and I've been super busy all week, so I really had to squeeze in this movie. I didn't make anything special to watch with this. Just didn't have time. I couldn't think of anything anyway. Just no time. So no food porn. Sorry!
Maybe it was because I was so rushed, I just couldn't seem to enjoy this film. However! I could appreciate this film. Was I struck by Kazan's directing? Not really. Mind you, I've just come off of a Hitchcock binge because of the TCM class. No one compares to Hitch. Try and disagree with me. Try. So that could have colored by opinion as well. Right now it would take something really extraordinary and striking to draw my attention to a shot. The direction just seemed to kind of blend and not distract. Maybe that's what he meant to do though, because what really stood out in this movie was the acting. You didn't need any big fancy scenes. The acting was so powerful.
Brando. My God. What more can you say? He overwhelms every scene. I would hate to work next to this man. He is just so good. I know nothing that I can say about him will surprise anyone. He is not overrated. Personally, I would have found him obnoxious, but on the screen? Genius. I know that he put everyone through hell, but the performances that came out of him....
He made it look so easy. It wasn't. For anyone.
Next, Miss Eva Marie Saint. I can't believe this was her first role. You really couldn't tell she was acting. I was very impressed. I always saw her as a Hitchcock blonde. Kind of a decorative ornament. She is so much more than that. Especially in this film. I think Brando brought out the best in her. She shines the most in scenes with him. Even the simple ones.
Her first taste of alcohol. So simple, yet played so perfect and delicate. Just right.
So like I said, I could appreciate this movie, I just didn't like it very much this time. It was so dark and moody. It was supposed to be, I know. I know. I just wasn't in the mood for it. Lately, I just want happy or at least pretty. This was neither. It's a very very good movie if you are in the mood for massive seriousness. I'll watch it again someday.
I kind of like that I can appreciate something that I don't particularly like. Makes me feel like a grown-up. Naaaaaaaah!
This is what y'all wanted, isn't it?? MWAH!
Love,
Olive
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