On+the+Waterfront-+Shouldn't+everybody+care+about+everybody+else?

=On the Waterfront: Shouldn't everybody care about everybody else?= Critical analysis by Amber K.

//"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 was you, Charley."// - Terry Malloy/Marlon Brando

 __On the Waterfront__ is a terrific film of the 1950's. The story written by Budd Schulberg (articles suggested by Malcolm Johnson) really captures the mob violence and corruption happening on the docks of Hoboken, New Jersey. It certainly is a rush-out-to-get-it-on-dvd film. With overall drama, crime, and romance packed into one spectacular film classic. During this time period crime was sky rocketing and nobody was able to do anything about it. Not even the cops. Those that knew wanted to keep quiet to save their own skins. Their motto: "don't say nuttin, keep quiet, you'll live longer." And those that didn’t know wanted to keep it that way. "I've been on the docks all my life, boy and there's one thing I've learned, you don't ask no questions, you don't answer no questions, unless you wanna wind up like that [dead]."



Several aspects tie this black and white beauty together perfectly. The screenplay written by Budd Shulberg is outstanding. The screenplay’s characterization works well with not only mood/tone but as well as some symbolism. For example, the motto of the workers on the docks telling everyone to always keep quiet demonstrates how crime is at its peak because no one will stop it, mostly for fear of their life. The symbolism of Terry Malloy taking care of the pigeons is a key element as well. I think it serves as foreshadowing for his love affair with Edie. She is in essence an innocent pigeon trapped in a coop of mob dealers and murders.

 Acting acting acting… Marlon Brando’s performance gets two thumbs up! Brando is and always will be one of the most amazing actors of all time. The way he portrays his characters is believable as well as easily engaging for the audience. Marlon Brando brings his character to life, conveying the longing and frustration of an ex prize fighter. The “coulda’ been a contender” scene is one of the greatest film scenes ever shot. Not to mention it was improvised! This and the “glove” scene with Edie and Terry is also improvisation on Brando’s part. If an actor can pull of improvising for the director and have him like it, you’ve got talent. Terry Malloy shows everyone up that's called him a bum in the end. He is able to stop Johnny Friendly and his crime buddies, bringing justice to the boys on the dock. Before this, men were being murdered left and right, and not only was it happening in this movie but also as Johnson points out, in reality. The public needed to be aware of this and by putting this film together we now are.

Eva Marie Saint had her first role in __On the Waterfront__. She plays Edie Doyle. She’s a tragedy stricken woman simply investigating her brother’s murder. Her character elaborates on the idea that this film is about crime. She wonders, “shouldn’t everybody care about everybody else?” It’s Edie who pushes Terry to help stop the crime on the docks. Its her innocence, love, compassion, and sorrow that drive Terry to do the right thing. With out her, there wouldn’t be much of a film. Just as Edie forces Terry to come to terms with his involvment in the mob and Johny Friendly's 'jobs', Budd Schulberg forces the public to open up their own eyes to the crime that existed on thier own docks. Terry learns a lot from this little pigeon, so can we.

Director Elia Kazan won an Oscar for best director for __On the Waterfront__. He develops the movie very well. The scenes are captured brilliantly. The intensity of the scene when Terry reveals his involvment in Edie's brother's murder to Edie herself keeps the interest of the audience. Instead of listening to a story that we already know about (dramatic irony) the dialogue is drowned out by the sound of the surroundings. I think if I had heard everything I had already actually seen, I would have gotten bored. Following this scene later in the movie is the cab scene. I believe it takes skill to be able to and get away with, shooting a scene in a moving taxi car with a shade on the back window. Here Terry has a heart to heart with his brother Charlie. In Brando's monologue we learn that we should not allow others to convince us that we're not good enough. It might be easier to fail on purpose but you're cheating yourself by not trying at all. 

Boris Kaufman is responsible for the cinematography. In other words, he is the cameraman who disciplines the lighting and camera choices when recording photographic images for the cinema . And an awesome job he did for __On the Waterfront__. One scene in particular that I liked was the shots of the scene when Edie finds out the truth about Terry. There are several shots in the sequence. Some from far away and others close ups of the two characters. It heightens the tension of the scene. In addition I think it allows the audience to be apart of the action, getting thrown around from one shot to the next gives you a sense of how Edie must feel, confused and in a whirl. The cinematography develops the overall feelings of the characters this aspect is important because the audience is able to experience the heartache with Edie and sympathize with her.

Overall, Budd Schulberg and Malcolm Johnson, along with the rest of the cast and crew of __On the Waterfront__ have established the meaning of friendship, the importance of self confidence, and the influence of the mob while still providing the audience with an entertianing film. If you've never watched __On the Waterfront__ do so, it's worth it!