On the Waterfront




Conscience ... that stuff can drive you nuts.

This film may be seen as the justification for Elia Kazan's testament against the Communist party. This motivation gives the film an added momentum and honest urgency.

An ex prize fighter turned longshoreman, Terry Malloy (Marlon Brando) is sitting good with the corrupt union that rules the local waterfront. Consequently, he participates in a murder to keep a man from ratting on other ill deeds. This murder leads the sister (Eva Marie Saint) and a driven pastor (Karl Malden) to investigate. They get acquainted with Terry and begin to sway his loyalties.

Many judge this film against Kazan's back story, but this is a movie that needs to be judged on its own. Even while many instances feel as if they should be dated, they stubbornly refuse to age. There is more than one instance of a rousing speech, which are so numerous that they can be found on every other channel. Why is this one so different? It goes for broke in the emotions department, never pulling any punches and using many elements that are conventional now days. Yet it has a raw and tender intelligence, speaking volumes of the familiar yet ageless theme of corruption.

On the Waterfront also has quite a love story to boot. Terry and Edie are a perfect mismatch, but there's more at stake than just cheap romance. Though Terry cares for her, there's that whole business about her brother's murder. Their relationship gets sticky, though she begins to compel his conscience.

Enormous credit is due to Budd Schulberg's incredible script. He handles the romance with affectionate care, yet is well aware of the real world. Terry and Edie's relationship is something of a collision between high principles and brutal reality. The same goes for the main conflict, which requires guts for the people to stand up against the ruthless union. Schulberg's script rattles off great lines and memorable scenes, and Kazan is right there to back him up.

But all else aside, it's Brando that makes this movie. Every line, gesture and expression fits his character completely. He makes Terry a tough guy on the exterior, but he isn't afraid to show his more sensitive side. The conflict inside of him is so subtle, yet evident. It is truly one of the greatest performances in cinema history. Eva Marie Saint isn't so bad either, as she convincingly makes the determined yet vulnerable Edie the driving point of Terry's conscience. Praise also deservedly goes to Karl Malden, who pulls off resolute Father Barry and his preaching. There's little doubt that others wouldn't have had the same impact.

There are few issue pieces of a higher caliber. Marlon's performance alone seals the deal.



-The Gnome