One of the best films i have seen

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

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.

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.............................

A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) **** (out of 4) Diva Blanche DuBois (Vivian Leigh) moves to New Orleasns to live with her younger sister Stella (Kim Hunter) but it doesn't take long for the sister's husband Stanley (Marlon Brando) to aim his brutish ways on her.A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE was a landmark play and it carried over to the big screen thanks in large part to the terrific performances as well as the frank sexuality. Some of the sexuality was edited out upon its original release but thankfully the footage was later restored. While the film doesn't contain the same power that it once had there's no question that it's still a refreshing slice of movie history.The greatest thing going for the film is without question the performances from the four main actors. Leigh delivers the greatest performance of her career as the mentally-ill sister who just can't keep out of her fantasy world. The nervous tension that Leigh gives the character is something truly refreshing to watch. Both Hunter and Karl Malden seem to get overlooked whenever the film is discussed but it's just because they're the supporting players to the leads. Both of them do a wonderful job in their roles and both are given plenty of scenes to shine.The real breakthrough is without question the work of Brando. Needless to say, he would go down in history as one of the greatest actors and in my opinion he is the greatest actor. The first time you see him here you can't help but feel as if a cold breeze just hit you because there really wasn't anything like him before. The method acting is spot=on perfect and there's just a certain rawness that jumps off the screen. This was all new at the time but even today you can't help but feel as if you're watching something original.There's some terrific cinematography, a great jazz score and some really great drama that comes through via the acting. As I said, some of the drama has been watered down over time but that doesn't take away what makes the film great and that are the performances and the direction of Elia Kazan.

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.