on the waterfront

On the Waterfront
Fantastic, intriguing, and thought provoking are three ways I would choose to describe the 1954 movie, On the Waterfront. This black-and-white classic is not only an enjoyable watch, but also a very effective work of art. The film questions the difference between right and wrong while discussing the important issues of corruption, racketeering, and whistle blowing. While watching Terry and the dilemmas he gets himself into, you begin to question your own morals. You wonder what you would do, or hope you would do, if ever put in his shoes. Overall, I think that On the Waterfront is a highly effective film and definitely worth seeing.
Literary aspects play an important role in On the Waterfront. Characters are an example of this. Terry Malloy, Edie Doyle, and Johnny Friendly are the three main protagonists in the film. Terry Malloy propels the plot forward and commands attention when he sticks to his morals and does what no one would dare; tattles on the mob. Edie Doyle's role is important in that she encourages Terry to do the right thing and stand up for himself, and Johnny Friendly is the leader of the mob and the heart of the conflict. Another aspect is the setting. The movie takes place on New York's oppressive water docks and streets. The neighborhood is mostly poor and deprived with the exception of a few wealthy citizens. The setting helps the viewer to better understand the lives of the characters, set the scene, and emphasize the major conflict of racketeering. Symbolism is used frequently in On the Waterfront. Two symbols that are prominent throughout the film are hooks and the pigeons. The waterfront workers wear the sharp hooks that help them load and empty the crates over their shoulders. These represent the forces of Johnny Friendly's mob members that literally hang over them at the waterfront. The pigeons represent the waterfront workers. The workers are 'caged' in by the mob members and low on the power hierarchy just like the pigeons raised by Terry. Literary aspects like characters, setting, and symbols, help to make the film solid and original.
There are many dramatic aspects that can be found in On The Waterfront. Actors are an example of one. I think that Marlon Brando did an exceptional job at playing the role of Terry Malloy. In the beginning of the movie, Brando would make subtle motions that helped to describe his character. For instance, to show Terry's lack of confidence, Brando would look away when speaking to people, pull up his coat collar, and shrug when asked a question. However, as the film went on and Terry started to stand up for himself, Brando began acting like a tough guy and dropped his nervous habits. Unlike Brando, I think that casting Eva Marie Saint as Edie Doyle was a horrible choice. Saint seemed fake and unemotional. An example of this was when she found out that her brother was killed. Even though Saint was demanding to know about her brother's death and seemed to be distraught, her face told a completely different story. She showed no emotion through her expressions and you could clearly tell that she was acting. I did like Johnny Friendly being played as Lee J. Cobb. When I picture a mob member or gangster, I think of someone who is big and powerful looking. Cobb fits this description to the tee. His deep voice and broad shoulders added to his alpha look. Another dramatic aspect is the use of lighting. I think that the lighting was well used throughout the movie. When scenes were shot at the waterfront, outside it was dark and gloomy which added to the already dreary and miserable feel of the work place. In contrast, when scenes with Edie were shot, the set was usually much lighter. This gave her almost an angelic or good-girl vibe.
Cinematic aspects are essential in all films. An example of one is the film's music. Music can help add to the drama or feel of each scene. For instance, when Terry was fleeing the church basement after the secret meeting, the music was intense and upbeat. This made the viewer fell panicked and alarmed. Another example of this was when Terry was visiting his pigeon coop. The music paralleled the peaceful scene by playing a sweet and slow tune. Another aspect is the film's editing. Similar to the music, editing between shots can also add to the feeling of each scene. Choppy or quick scene changes, like when Terry and Johnny Friendly were fighting, can make the scene feel exciting and exhilarating. In contrast, slow and smooth transitions, like when Terry and Edie were dancing, can add to the calm feeling. Costumes are also important. I think that the costumes worked very well for each character in the movie. Terry and the other poor waterfront workers wore ratty old jackets, while the members of the mafia wore nice leather coats. Edie's outfits also fit her character. She wore girly dresses and shoes that helped to show how feminine she was.
On the Waterfront and Authur Miller's All My Sons have many similarities and differences. The ethical dilemma that appears in both works is one thing they have in common. In On the Waterfront, Terry faces the problem of deciding where his loyalty lies: with the mafia or the waterfront workers. Very similar to this, Keller must also pick where his loyalty lies: with his family or his partner. However, the deciding factors that go into each of their decisions are very different. Terry has only himself to worry about and bases his decision on other's opinions (Edie and Father Barry). Keller, on the other hand, has to look out for his family, which in the end is his first priority. Keller and Terry are also very similar. They both are not thought of very highly in society. Terry is considered a bum who has thrown his life away after his boxing career falls flat, and many people think of Keller as a murder after his faulty parts caused the deaths of twenty-one pilots. Terry and Keller are both strong. In the end Terry is able to stand up to the mafia and walk up to work after being beaten down. Likewise, Keller is able to hold his head high and provide a good life for his family, despite everyone's opinions.
I would definitely recommend this movie! The exciting plot keeps you on the edge of your seat and the round characters make the film extremely fun to watch. On The Waterfront is an enjoyable movie as well as a work of art.