10 of 10
Cinematography by Boris Kaufman
Marlon Brando
Karl Malden
Lee J. Cobb
Rod Steiger
Eva Marie Saint
"Boys, this is my church. If you don't think Christ is here on the waterfront, you got another guess coming."
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| On the Waterfront 10 of 10 |
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| Directed by Elia Kazan Cinematography by Boris Kaufman Marlon Brando Karl Malden Lee J. Cobb Rod Steiger Eva Marie Saint |
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| This was, in many ways, the first American attempt at Neo-realism. And the result is one of the finest films ever made. Kazan is able to achieve such an extraordinary amount of emotion out of every scene � no matter how short � that it�s almost frightening. Plus, he has the luxury of working with one of the finest ensemble casts of all time. Eva Marie Saint makes her first appearance in a feature film, and certainly does not disappoint. She projects a fragility that is truly heart wrenching. Steiger is wonderful in his small role as Malloy�s brother. There are great performances by Brando and Cobb, both recognized by Academy voters. (Brando won Best Actor, and Cobb was nominated for best supporting actor � along with Steiger and Malden.) Still, despite all the great performances, every times I watch it I am moved by the same performance: Malden blows me away every time. His Father Barry is an amazing � and at the time, controversial � figure. And he gets the opportunity to deliver the finest lines in the film. Which brings me to my next point: the script for Waterfront is nearly perfect. I found myself totally absorbed by the words, which is unusual for me. And especially since the film�s visual aspects were certainly highly praiseworthy. (Boris Kaufman won an Oscar for his work, although he did not shoot what is probably the most famous shot in the film�the hand-held one at the end was done by James Wong Howe because Kaufman was unfamiliar and uncomfortable with hand-held work.) Let me throw in some lines, just because they are so good. This is from the �contender� speech, probably the film�s most famous: �It wasn't him, Charley, it was you. Remember that night in the Garden you came down to my dressing room and you said, 'Kid, this ain't your night. We're going for the price on Wilson.' You remember that? 'This ain't your night!' My night! I coulda taken Wilson apart! So what happens? He gets the title shot outdoors on the ballpark and what do I get? A one-way ticket to Palookaville! You was my brother, Charley, you shoulda looked out for me a little bit. You shoulda taken care of me just a little bit so I wouldn't have to take them dives for the short-end money.� Wonderful stuff, no doubt about that. Budd Schulberg really outdid himself here. In fact, I think this may be the best script I have ever seen. A definite must-see film.
"Boys, this is my church. If you don't think Christ is here on the waterfront, you got another guess coming." |
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