A Streetcar Named Desire

1951 "...Blanche, who wanted so much to stay a lady..."
7.9| 2h5m| PG| en
Details

A fading southern belle moves in with her sister in New Orleans where her ferocious brother-in-law takes stabs at her sanity.

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Warner Bros. Pictures

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Reviews

Softwing Most undeservingly overhyped movie of all time??
Stoutor It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.
Marva-nova Amazing worth wacthing. So good. Biased but well made with many good points.
Roxie The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;
AGDeac The 50's marked an important period for filmmaking, mostly because of the transitory value the decade had. The pictures were changing, that's a certain thing. But in which way? Elia Kazan, already a Broadway legend by the time he directed "A Streetcar Named Desire", is one of the most influential Hollywood directors of all time. His film "On The Waterfront" is widely considered one of most representative pieces of American cinematography and it's often quoted among critics. However, "A Streetcar Named Desire" is not a let-down either. The film is noticed mostly for two reasons: the use of jazz music (being the first film to do use it) and, of course, Marlon Brando. I'll try not to create a Marlon Brando review out of this, so I'll tell you only what you need to know. Brando is one of the first actors to introduce America to the Stanislavski acting system (on screen that is). This style of acting proved to be somehow more effective than the traditional methods because the actors could show a more natural approach to certain feelings and emotions. "A Streetcar Named Desire" is a highly significant film both culturally and historically, and it influenced many later films. Since most critics already spoke about the importance of the film and of Marlon Brando, I myself will try to talk more about the artistical value of the film and Vivien Leigh's performance as Blanche. Blanche's conflict with Stanley (Brando) is destrucitve in every possible way; they hate each other, or at least that's what they think. She's feminine, seductive and easy to hurt; he's barbaric, sexual and strong. She lives in an imaginary world so she can avoid being hurt; he's a man who knows what he wants and how to get it. "I've always depended on the kindness of strangers", Blanche says. A most painful quote to hear (or read). Stanley has a way to deal with reality while Blanche has another. They both have issues. Blanche uses the warmth of strangers to deal with pain while Stanley uses alcohol. It's obvious that one is a victim and the other is a dealer of pain, but they both represent different ways of survival. Blanche's way is self-destrctive and she's aware of this fact; she doesn't show her real emotions and adopts a submissive position. Stanley makes himself heard through the use of violence; the other people need to know who is the dominant individual and they'll learn it by any means. Elia Kazan was one of the most influential directors of Hollywood, and "A Streetcar Named Desire" is just another proof for that fact. The use of unique music, beautiful imagery and memorable dialogue goes along very well with the performances of Leigh and Brando, who represent maybe the most important part of the film's magic. This film is a great study of character and conflict and...well, a great movie overall.
Smoreni Zmaj For two hours I desired to jump into the screen and strangle one of my favorite actresses. I think Vivien Leigh was bit kook, cause something like this can not be completely faked. One of the most deserved Oscars I have ever seen. All 4 leading actors were nominated and only Brando didn't win it. I consider him one of the greatest actors of all time and his performance here definitely is on the level of Leigh, Karl Malden and Kim Hunter. I'm most sorry that Tennessee Williams didn't win the Oscar for screenplay, cause story of this depth and strength is rarely seen in movies. Mandatory for all film lovers.............................
elvircorhodzic A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE is a great film that pulsates in plenty of passion, cruelty and sharpness. This is a character drama in which you have a very complex and contradictory characters. Scene are scary realistic and relentlessly. I agree with the individuals that this film is milestone in Hollywood. This fact does not apply exclusively to acting. It includes the atmosphere, expression, music and partly scenery.The film is the true wealth of visual succubus. Of course, it's not nice to look at any kind of abuse. However, in this case the abuse is caused by the hopelessness, loneliness and insensitivity. Physical confrontation is tangible and real, full of fury and passion. It's funny to talk about conflict of aristocratic behavior with workers' hooliganism. This is the conflict between reality and illusion.In some scenes are definitely feel the excess energy turns into violence, lust or passion. A dramatic illustration of life in a society that fails. It is a story of anguish and tickles your fancy. Perhaps in this case, censorship is welcome. Let's leave aside the realism. Violent emotions are completely exempt. Therefore, we can talk about immorality, profanity and sinfulness. Two sexually voracious women express their sexuality in a completely different way. Violent husband who does not understand anything beyond his world and a bit confused suitor who recognized something different from the crude everyday.Vivien Leigh as Blanche DuBois, her amazing expression, expression, emotions and mood swings are memorable. Torment and tragedy of a woman who at any time he wants to be a lady. The fight led by herself, which is caused by the suicide of her boyfriend from her youth was an incredibly passionate. After all appearances breakdown preceded by a brutal rape (which should mean a sort of wake-up) and brings it to a complete collapse. Her performance is truly moving and flexible.Marlon Brando as Stanley Kowalski is brilliant. A loud, healthy, brutal and energetic male in shirt lesser of two numbers. It's amazing how much sympathy garnered immoral, smelly and sexually charged character. However, it is generally attentive husband who expresses his own frustration with physical force. He managed untangle a ball and unfortunately "punish the cat" in his own way.Kim Hunter as Stella Kowalski She's a young woman, torn in all directions. Character, which is a connection between two irreconcilable character. Pregnancy, beatings and stress are somewhat confused. It is interesting that she enjoys the rough, almost animal sexuality by her husband. Karl Malden as Harold "Mitch" Mitchell was somewhat embarrassed and shy suitor who wants to please his mother, who was on the bed. Uncouth character who is actually in the end defeated.Very realistic representation of the human tragedy through the game of shadows, violence, lust, passions, dreams and needs.
snord-94860 Absolutely fantastic, there are no two ways about it. The movie is a testament to the fact that to be great, it isn't necessary to rely on visual effects or cheap gimmicks. If any aspiring actor has a question of how to do a character, they need to refer to any actor or actress in this film because truly they do an amazing job. I can't emphasize enough how beautiful it was. What continued to add to the greatness of the film was the cinematography and production design. It was simplistic, but effective. The use of the focal points, such as the mirror and framing faces did an outstanding job of allowing the audience to connect with what was going on. The last amazing element of this film was the sound design. The only way to describe it is "spot-on." In contrast to many other films that use noises and soundtracks to distract the audience and force an emotional response, the sound design in this film simply amplified what was already brought by the plot and actors. Never did it feel out of place or overbearing, but it felt as though it was inviting me as an audience member a moment to react first and then the noise/ soundtrack was used to confirm my thoughts and feelings. The only complaint that I have was the ending. I felt the same way with "On the Waterfront," but due to the rules in film at the time when the two were made, their endings do make sense. However, it is unfortunate. Pros: Acting was astounding. Sound design was beautiful and inviting to the audience. Cinematography and production design were both simple, yet powerful. Cons: The ending. That is my sole complaint with the movie because it was absolutely brilliant.