On the Waterfront (2001, DVD)

The backdrop for this classic movie is the world of New Jersey longshoremen s docks, stronghold of corrupt unions and organized crime. The main character is Terry Malloy, a former boxer and errand boy for the local union boss, Johnny Friendly. Terry is an uneducated, brutal man perfectly willing to do the bidding of the union higher-ups without question. Spared the backbreaking work of the docks due to his brother Charley s influence, Terry does not question the cruelty and inequity he sees daily. He simply does as he is told. Painfully aware that he is not suited for anything else, he accepts his lot in life.

Though Terry feels a deep uneasiness within himself, he cannot articulate it and does not attempt to explore it until he meets Edie Doyle, sister of a man murdered orders from the union leader. Terry is used as a decoy in the murder but is not aware of the part he has played until it is too late. Knowledge that he contributed to the man s death plants the seeds of guilt in Terry. The action of On the Waterfront explores how this man comes to terms with this knowledge and how he emotionally deals with it.

Terry's relationship with Edie starts out of his guilt, although he is reluctant to admit responsibility for his actions. He tries to convince himself and the girl that her brother s murder is just something that happens when people try to go against the system. However, as he falls in love with Edie, he begins to realize that the life he has chosen to accept might be a mistake. For the first time, he questions the quality of an existence that has no honor or morality. His love for Edie leads him to feel emotions and come to terms with ideas that he was not aware he had within him. Ultimately, he is lead to make a life-changing decision.

The performance of Marlon Brando, method actor extraordinaire, is what raised this film to the classic status it enjoys. He dominates every scene in which he appears, infusing the film with dramatic power. His body movements along with his controlled voice inflections spell sheer dramatic excellence. He is able to convey the torturous ambivalence that Terry feels, even though his character is painfully inarticulate.

Elia Kazan originally planned to cast Frank Sinatra in the role of Terry Malloy but the box-office appeal of Brando won out with studio executives. Although Sinatra did have considerable dramatic skill (From Here to Eternity, etc.), it is difficult to imagine any other actor in the part.

On the Waterfront is not without other excellent performances. Lee J. Cobb is wonderful as the totally amoral union boss, Johnny Friendly. Rod Steiger, in another strong performance, does not disappoint in his role as Charley Malloy, a man torn between loyalty to his brother and the dark reality of his own life as part of a criminal organization. Steiger s scene in a taxi with Brando is one of film s most memorable, as Brando recounts the fateful decision to throw the fight that could have meant respectability for him I coulda been a contenda. . . . . Steiger s face as he listens to his brother s sadness overflow is priceless. Amazingly, this memorable scene was improvised by the actors.

In her film debut, actress Eva Marie Saint lends just the right air of genteel respectability as a contrast to the brutality of her environment. She is perfect type to awaken not only love but also Terry s sense of decency. Karl Malden as Father Barry is great casting, with Malden displaying great energy in the r