On the Waterfront

On the Waterfront
Name	On the Waterfront
Director	Elia Kazan
Producer	Sam Spiegel
Writer	Budd Schulberg
Starring	Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, Lee J. Cobb, Eva Marie Saint, Rod Steiger
Music	Leonard Bernstein
Cinematography	Boris Kaufman
Editing	Gene Milford
Studio	Columbia Pictures, Horizon Pictures
Released	1954
Runtime	108 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$900,000
Gross	$9.6 million

On the Waterfront is a classic American film directed by Elia Kazan and written by Budd Schulberg, based on a series of articles by Malcolm Johnson published in the New York Sun. The film stars Marlon Brando as Terry Malloy, a dockworker who becomes a union leader, alongside Karl Malden as Father Barry, a Catholic priest who supports the union, and Eva Marie Saint as Edie Doyle, the sister of a murdered dockworker. The film was produced by Sam Spiegel and released by Columbia Pictures in 1954, featuring a score by Leonard Bernstein and cinematography by Boris Kaufman.

Plot

The film tells the story of Terry Malloy, a dockworker who works for the corrupt Johnny Friendly, a union boss who controls the New York/New Jersey waterfront. When Terry Malloy's brother, Charlie Malloy, is killed by Johnny Friendly's men, Terry Malloy begins to question his loyalty to the union and eventually becomes a leader in the fight against corruption, inspired by Father Barry and his relationship with Edie Doyle. The film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, set against the backdrop of the New York Harbor and the Hoboken waterfront. The story is influenced by real-life events, such as the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, and features references to notable figures like Albert Anastasia and Vito Genovese.

Production

The film was produced by Sam Spiegel and directed by Elia Kazan, who had previously worked together on films like Gentleman's Agreement and Panic in the Streets. The screenplay was written by Budd Schulberg, based on a series of articles by Malcolm Johnson published in the New York Sun. The film was shot on location in Hoboken, New Jersey, and New York City, featuring iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. The production team included notable figures like Leonard Bernstein, who composed the score, and Boris Kaufman, who handled the cinematography. The film's production was also influenced by the House Un-American Activities Committee and the Red Scare, with Elia Kazan testifying before the committee in 1952.

Cast

The film features a talented cast, including Marlon Brando as Terry Malloy, Karl Malden as Father Barry, Lee J. Cobb as Johnny Friendly, Eva Marie Saint as Edie Doyle, and Rod Steiger as Charlie Malloy. The cast also includes notable actors like Pat Henning, Leif Erickson, and James Westerfield. The film's cast was influenced by the Actors Studio, with Marlon Brando and Rod Steiger being members of the studio. The cast's performances were also recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, with Marlon Brando winning the Academy Award for Best Actor.

Reception

The film received widespread critical acclaim, with Marlon Brando's performance being particularly praised by critics like Bosley Crowther of the New York Times and Pauline Kael of the New Yorker. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $9.6 million at the box office and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 1954. The film's success can be attributed to its powerful storytelling, strong performances, and influential direction by Elia Kazan. The film's reception was also influenced by the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Palme d'Or in 1954, and the Golden Globe Awards, where it won the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture - Drama.

Themes

The film explores several themes, including loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, set against the backdrop of the New York Harbor and the Hoboken waterfront. The film also touches on issues like corruption, unionism, and social justice, featuring references to notable events like the Lawrence Textile Strike and the West Virginia Coal Strike. The film's themes are influenced by the American Labor Movement and the New Deal, with Franklin D. Roosevelt's policies being referenced in the film. The film's exploration of themes is also notable for its portrayal of complex characters, like Terry Malloy and Father Barry, who are influenced by real-life figures like César Chávez and Martin Luther King Jr..

Legacy

The film's legacy is significant, with it being widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time by organizations like the American Film Institute and the Library of Congress. The film's influence can be seen in many other films and television shows, including The Godfather, The Sopranos, and Boardwalk Empire. The film's impact on popular culture is also notable, with references to the film appearing in works like The Simpsons and Mad Men. The film's legacy is a testament to the power of Elia Kazan's direction, Budd Schulberg's screenplay, and the performances of the cast, including Marlon Brando and Karl Malden. The film's influence can also be seen in the work of notable directors like Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola, who have cited the film as an inspiration for their own work.

Category:American films