chemistry


I have read articles about how Anna Magnani and Marlon Brando have no chemistry on the screen together...and even in Brando's autobigraphy, he said that he thought that she was miscast; but I thought that they were great together. I think that have an unusual chemistry, but I definitely think it works. What do you guys think?

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I agree with you.
The said lack of chemistry possibly added to their roles, especially at the start of the film, where both are hesitant and reluctant--a certain tension.
I could not imagine any other actress in the part for this film. Nor any other actor. However, when I first viewed The Fugitive Kind, I was a little..not too much...put off by Brando's overly dreamy and seemingly hammy take on the character, but it really works for the part.

My only complaint is the title--though Orpheus Descending would set off the pretense-o-meter for American audiences then--and now. Hehe.

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Ha ha, probably. I couldn't imagine any other actress playing this role either. Where Brando underplays, she is fiery and challenging; and vice versa. I think they complimented each other...and although older women/younger man relationships are common now, it's a little peculiar during those times. But, it's someone's reality. Someone is out there going through that experience. And you don't always have to pair up two drop-dead gorgeous co-stars if the acting is so exceptional, you know?

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I agree... I mean this 2 actors did great in this movie.
I dont know.. lack of chemistry? i didnt see that... in fact i tought otherwise.
Anyway animal magnetism of Brando maybe did the difference here. As another person posted, when she didnt act great, Marlon did and viceversa...

If there was lack of chemistry.. then they are such great actors...

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I agree there was no chemistry in real life between them. But i think there was some form of it in the movie, and that is testament to Brando's talent really. he can make anything work.

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They both had inflated egos on this site so there chemistry was off because they would both be one uping each other in alot of scenes.It was more about one trying to make the other look bad type deal.

"If you want art, don't mess about with
movies. Buy a Picasso"

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I felt that the their on screen chemistry or lack of it worked perfectly for the plot. Two completely different people coming to together bringing joy and peace to each other for a brief period of time mimics some of my own life. Worked for me.

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This film is captivating.the entire cast is/was excellent.

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