Tonight, I'm watching "On the Waterfront". I love this movie in so many ways. This post will be full of history and trivia, in the hopes of peaking your interest and compelling you to watch it for yourself.Frank Sinatra was originally cast as Terry Malloy, the part eventually given to Marlon Brando, for which he won his first Oscar. Believe it or not, Frank held a grudge and was not friendly toward Marlon, even when they were filming "Guys and Dolls" together. However, I believe Marlon got the part that Frank wanted in that movie, as well. I find it interesting that one actor would hold a grudge against another actor for being a more talented actor. Anyway, this has been heralded by many as Marlon's best performance, and I agree, although "A Streetcar Named Desire" comes close. John Turturro said that if he asked a girl to go see "On the Waterfront" and she declined, he would not have anything else to do with her. Speaking of John Turturro, his character, Herbie Stemple, in the movie "Quiz Show" was asked to give a wrong answer to the question, "Which movie won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1955?' "On the Waterfront" was the winner that year, and Herbie was told to say "Marty".
This was the first movie for Eva Marie Saint, who would later star in "North by Northwest". It was also the first movie for Fred Gwynne, who would later become famous for playing Herman Munster, and also appeared in "The Boy Who Could Fly" and played the judge in "My Cousin Vinny". I would say this was also the first substantial role for Rod Steiger, who gives an incredible performance as Terry's older brother, Charley.
This movie is probably most famous for the scene in the back of a taxi, where Terry explains to Charley why he won't be a mug for the union anymore. He says, "You don't understand. I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let's face it." It's a heart wrenching scene that really sticks with you. That line may seem corny, taken out of context, but, when you watch the movie from the beginning and see Terry's struggle, it becomes one of the best scenes in the film, one I look forward to every time I watch. Right after this scene,Terry breaks down Edie's apartment door to convince her she loves him. Love that!
This movie was directed by Elia Kazan, who won the best director Oscar for doing so. He also received an honorary Oscar in 1999. At that time, much of Hollywood protested his receiving such an award, based solely on his actions before the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1952. This committee was chaired by Joseph McCarthy, who was intent on finding and punishing famous people who were communists. Kazan was the first in Hollywood to cooperate with the committee, and is credited with ruining the careers of many people in Hollywood who were communists. I believe Kazan stood by his actions the rest of his life.
The music for the film is by Leonard Bernstein, who is probably most famous for writing the music for "West Side Story". The music fits perfectly with the movie. It's somewhat thematic, but mainly just there to help your emotions along.
This is one of those films that seems perfect. I can't imagine that it would have been so, had anything been different. The acting, directing, music, and screenplay are exactly as they should be. If you've never seen this film, I highly recommend it. If you haven't seen it, and you want to, and you live near me, I'd love to come to you or have you over to my place so we can enjoy it together! It is a movie that I hope will become as memorable to you as it will always be for me.
And, John Turturro, if your current wife ever dies, I'm available.
