Film Review: A Streetcar named Desire

Director: Elia Kazan

Based on the play by Tennessee Williams, I decided to see this movie after going to watch Orpheus Descending at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester. It was one of his less known works but was mesmerizing and introduced me to the works of Tennessee Williams. After learning that he lived a very unhappy life it comes as no surprise that there is strife throughout his works although even I was still surprised at the plot for this movie. The film won three oscars out of the four acting categories although Marlon Brando was the only one nominated who didn't win.

Set in the stifling heat of the French Quarter in New Orleans, Stella Kowalski (Kim Hunter) and Stanley Kowalski (Marlon Brando) are a married couple who are expecting a baby when Stella's sister Blanche (Vivien Leigh) arrives from Mississippi. Her pretentions to virtue and culture mask some deep rooted problems that cause her clash with Stanley, whose violent temper was a reason that Stella fell in love with him, and worries Stella who is torn between her sister and husband.

Stanley Kowalski (Marlon Brando) and Blanche DuBois (Vivien Leigh)

I was quite simply blown away by the acting performances especially from Marlon Brando (shocked he didn't win an Oscar) and Vivien Leigh. They are both simply outstanding and have been understandably praised by critics ever since for landmark performances. The inner torment portrayed by Leigh must surely have been ground-breaking for the time and left the audience guessing to exactly what is happening with her as the story unravels.

The film is set mostly within the flat that Stella and Stanley share which is humid and claustrophobic, Brando is visibly sweating throughout the film which adds a lot to the intensity and angst between the characters. The tension in the early stages is palpable and gradually rises until tempers become flared producing a fascinating finale that leaves you a little dazed and uneasy. Without a doubt Tennessee Williams is one of the greatest playwright of all time and its credit to the production of this movie that it lives up to the screenplay.

4/4 superb performances held up by an intriguing yet claustrophobic plot