MovieChat Forums > On the Waterfront (1954) Discussion > This movie is extremely overrated and da...

This movie is extremely overrated and dated

posted 9 years ago by MikeHunt153
13 replies | jump to latest

There are some super old movies that still hold up, but On The Waterfront isn't one of them. I understand how it was a masterpiece at the time, but by today's standards, it's just goofy and embarrassing. The dialogue is ridiculous and cheesy. It doesn't have much of a plot, and the overall plot summary has been done many times much better. Marlon Brando's acting may have seemed great at the time because he showed lots of emotion, but today the point of acting is to be convincing, and Marlon Brando wasn't convincing at all, he was extremely bland.

[–] Hoekkie 8 years ago

I just saw the movie. I totally agree with you. Nice to read that someone feels the same way. There are a lot of old movies that stands the test of time. Movies with good acting and a good plot. So I can't believe that this movie won 8 Oscars, despite that it was in 1954.

[–] Rolltide (964) 4 years ago

What is your definition of an "old" film?

[–] mike-848 8 years ago

Wow. I disagree. The cheesy dialogue is what 1950's mobsters and longshorement woulda sounded like.. I love the snappy dialogue of Raymond Chandler in some of the 40's B/W films, but it wouldn't have worked here.

Brando bland?The bar scene where he's dyin to tell Edie the truth about her brother is as just as good as the cab scene with Charlie. Brando emotes more with his eyes and facial expressions than any words could convey.

The cold weather and the NJ location make this a fascinatin time capsule as well.

[–] spiderwort (11) 8 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Mister_Strife 8 years ago

I have to agree. I love some movies that were released close to OTW like Witness for the Prosecution or 12 Angry Men. They hold up perfectly. This movie does not.

[–] Mymessages74 8 years ago

I have to agree that it is a hugely overrated film. It's not a bad film by any stretch of the imagination but it definitely is not one of the greatest films of all time as all the critics say. It's definitely a case of the Emperor's New Clothes. Everyone thinks they have to state how wonderful this movie. Can they really say exactly what makes it so good? For me, Karl Malden gave the best performance in the film.

[–] slimone (7996) 8 years ago

Were we watching the same movie?? This is one of the top movies of all time, especially for Brando. He was magnificent. The plot was great: good against evil. . ..(Brando against Friendly). And Brando won. Plus it has a very high rating on IMDB, 8.2 so I think more people loved it than not. Also, it got 8 Academy Awards!

[–] godewey (16472) 8 years ago

😉.

[–] spiderwort (11) 8 years ago

Yes, godewey. Glad to see some on this thread who understand what comprises a great film, and a great one this is.

[–] godewey (16472) 8 years ago

😉

[–] spiderwort (11) 8 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Rolltide (964) 4 years ago

You lose me with "super old movie". Actually it is not super old. Talking pictures go back to 1930.

That tells me you are not well informed.

This is a great film.

[–] TheArgentinian (7251) 4 years ago

Nonsense. I saw it last night and I still found it very moving in 2021. Its themes are timeless and universal!