on the waterfront
For our May programme, High Contrast Cinema ventures into Oscar territory with the multi-award-winning On the Waterfront.
Marlon Brando took home the Best Actor statuette for his portrayal of Terry Malloy, an ex-prizefighter who finds himself reluctantly drawn into taking a stand amongst violence and corruption on the New Jersey docklands.
Director Elia Kazan marshals an impressive cast of dependable character actors, including Lee J. Cobb, Karl Malden and Rod Steiger, as well as Eva Marie Saint in her debut role (which earned her the Best Supporting Actress Oscar).
A timeless classic with Brando’s performance in particular still resonating, often cited as a sea change moment in the craft of screen acting.
Marlon Brando
Eva Marie Saint
Elia Kazan
Marlon Brando
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Marlon Brando, born on April 3, 1924, in Omaha, Nebraska, was a revolutionary actor who had a profound impact on cinema. With an intense method acting approach, Brando brought an unprecedented level of realism and emotional depth to his characters. He rose to prominence in the 1950s with an iconic performance in A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) and a groundbreaking turn in On the Waterfront (1954), which earned him his first Academy Award for Best Actor.
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Brando's influence extended beyond his acting prowess; he became a cultural icon and a symbol of rebellion and nonconformity. His portrayal of Vito Corleone in The Godfather (1972) won him his second Oscar and solidified his status as one of the greatest actors of all time.
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Despite his tumultuous personal life and occasional career setbacks, Brando's talent and impact on the industry remained undeniable.
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Throughout his career, Brando challenged traditional notions of masculinity and pushed the boundaries of acting, paving the way for future generations of performers. His legacy continues to inspire actors and filmmakers worldwide, ensuring that his contributions to cinema will never be forgotten.
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Eva Marie Saint
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Eva Marie Saint, born on July 4, 1924 in Newark, New Jersey, is a versatile American actress renowned for her memorable performances across stage, screen, and television.
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She achieved widespread acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her debut film role as Edie Doyle in Elia Kazan's On the Waterfront (1954), opposite Marlon Brando. This portrayal established her as one of Hollywood's most sought-after actresses in the 1950s.
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Throughout her career, Saint showcased her range by delivering captivating performances in various genres. Notably, she starred alongside Cary Grant in Alfred Hitchcock's iconic thriller North by Northwest (1959), thrilling audiences as the enigmatic Eve Kendall.
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Her talent extended beyond the silver screen, earning her critical acclaim in television roles, including a memorable turn in the miniseries People Like Us (1990), for which she won an Emmy Award.
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Eva Marie Saint's ability to inhabit diverse characters with grace and authenticity ensures her lasting legacy. She will turn 100 years old on 4th July 2024.
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Elia Kazan
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Elia Kazan, born on September 7, 1909, was a Greek-American film and theater director, producer, and writer. Renowned for his influential contributions to American cinema, Kazan's work often explored complex human emotions and social issues.
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He gained widespread acclaim for directing iconic films such as A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), On the Waterfront (1954), and East of Eden (1955).
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Kazan was a pioneer of the Method approach to acting, working closely with actors to evoke authentic performances.
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Despite his artistic achievements, Kazan's career was marred by controversy due to his cooperation with the House Un-American Activities Committee during the McCarthy era, where he named names of suspected Communists in the entertainment industry. This decision was polarizing, with some peers continuing to praise his artistic vision while others vehemently condemned his actions.
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Kazan was awarded two Academy Awards for Best Director and received an honorary Oscar in 1998 for his lifetime achievements in film. He passed away on September 28, 2003, leaving behind a complex but enduring legacy.