104 of 1001 Movies: On the Waterfront (1954)

On the Waterfront shows the Marlon Brando is one of his strongest roles that could have possibly went to Frank Sinatra. Elia Kazan though had to struggle with a lot more though than just which actor to play the lead though including get cast members to stay on set during the cold season it was filmed in. Kazan though has made a pretty good drama that realistically does portray the problem of corruption and crime among the longshormen that was happening and portrayed in a series of articles in the New York sun called, "Crime on the Waterfront"

After unknowingly helping in the murder of his friend, Terry, feels it's time for him to step up against the corrupt union boss that dictates the waterfront. This motivation to step up against the mob is also encouraged by the new love interest he has found in his deceased friend's sister, Edie. With the increased pressure to expose, John Friendly, especially after his life becomes threatened, it is only a matter of time he has to decide what he must do.


For some reason this movie was difficult to get through despite how beautiful it is as a black and white film, and the emotional acting, it just didn't sit memorable afterward. Marlon Brando is a name most are familiar with regardless of whether you've watched any movies he's starred in or not, and honestly it seems like Mark Ruffalo just took a lot out of the Brando book of acting. He's a good actor, and when you find out he was struggling with real loss behind the scenes of the movie it showcases the emotions he was battling in the movie even better. It might have worked more to amp up his guilt, and the loss of his friend, but somehow it just never feels that intense.

Eva Marie Saint stars as Edie, and for her first role ever in a movie she does great. She just feels a lot of different than the other actresses in her acting of that time. There is something that resonates strong about her, and the romance between her and Brando's character Terry feels very real. The scenes involving them both are some of the best of the movie. Lee J. Cobb might be remembered for his performance in 12 Angry Men, but he also gave an Oscar worthy performance in On the Waterfront as John Friendly. Father Berry is one of the other lead characters portrayed by Karl Madden. He does really provide a nice balance to the evil going on in the city, and Edie provides a good way of motivating the cause against it.

With the good acting, and the very beautiful black and white footage it has a lot working for it, but for some reason the story just struggled to kick a start. At the end we finally get a scene that feels suiting for the tension that has been building the whole time, and there is also the very disturbing scene of Charley, Terry's brother, who has been killed. In some ways the little romantic scenes don't fit in between the gangster violence.

On the Waterfront is already dubbed a classic, and if you're interested in exploring Brando's work then it's one to look at when you watch. The real performance that will capture is Eva Marie Saint's who seems to put a little charm, and passion into her role to make for an interesting character, plus she has chemistry with Brando. While it does run a little slow at times it does provide insight to the crime on the waterfront, and at the end does have an inspiring story.

Rating 6 of 10.