MovieChat Forums > On the Waterfront (1954) Discussion > Sorry...I just don't 'get' Brando...

Sorry...I just don't 'get' Brando...

posted 18 years ago by aciolino
102 replies | jump to latest

Is it me, or is Brando the most over-rated actor of all time?

I cannot watch him in this film without thinking I'm looking at a guy in clown make-up trying desperately to over act and be sympathetic. Instead, I'm amused and bored. He is hopelessly self-consciouss: check him out fixing his collar in the bar just after his brother was murdered--strictly amatuerish. ("Is my shirt on right??") How did Kazan allow that?

How about his ridiculous accent? What kind of an accent is that? New York? Brooklyn? Jersey? Not like any I've ever heard, and I've lived 53 years in NYC.

As far as I'm concerned Brando's is the worst performance in this film. Malden steals this movie, (Brando could NEVER believably deliver the "Jesus is kneeling right here" speech. Malden is spot on.) but I could see if you think Cobb does. Stieger is better than Brando as well.

Brando couldn't do half of the roles Cobb has done. Couldn't touch them. Can you imagine Brando in "Salesman"??? Laughable. They should do a SNL version of that!

That's all.

[–] 12 years ago

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[–] daveoafc77 12 years ago

You talk of the OP's bias against Brando then go on to write the most biased post on here the other way and go as far as belittling other established actors to make your point, very strange.

I didnt enjoy the perfomance of Brando as much as those who wont have a word said against him but i dont think it was a bad job. For me Brando's legacy stands with the way he brought a fresh imputus to acting, he was cool and he was different and undoubtably has influenced a multitude of other actors. But this doesnt necessarily mean his performances are on the money every time, an artist introducing a new style may not be the one to perfect it but he deserves utmost respect for being the one to introduce it as he did to screen

[–] endiadj 12 years ago

I agree with you. Hell, I think James Dean was better than Brando. Don't shoot me. I'm always amazed at the "greatness" that others see in actors such as Brando, Streep, Hepburn, etc., yet when I watch their films I just never see the same thing. Not saying these actors aren't good, just not deserving of the "greatness" that's always heeped upon them. JMO

[–] 12 years ago

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[–] 12 years ago

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[–] movies789 9 years ago

The OP is right on the money - Brando is the most overrated actor of all time. But, it's Hollywood heresy to say so, so the Brando-worshippers come out of the woodwork to bash anyone who fails to grovel at the altar of their God. Any of his major co-stars were better than he ever thought about being (in this movie: Cobb, Malden, and Steiger).

[–] Jealous_Skunk 9 years ago

Every word is true. Every word is true. Overrated of all time.

[–] Jealous_Skunk 9 years ago

True brother. Before one of you Brando's buttboys say *beep* by saying that I like tent pole movies and blockbusters and special effects and CGI and crap. No. My staple is 70s films and Indies and Classic Hollywood stuff. The best Classic Hollywood actors in my opinion in particular order are Paul Muni. John Garfield. James Cagney. Stewart. Now. Best actresses. Irene Dunne. Barbara Stanwyck. Bette Davis. Kate Hepburn.

[–] slimone (7996) 8 years ago

OP, you've got to be kidding!!!! This movie got 8 Academy Awards, and is considered on of the best film ever.