A Streetcar Named Desire

I thought it was a little overrated, but not enough to say that it's always relied on the kindness of reviewers.

It's hard to find a film this intense about 'love' and 'romance' and all of those themes that the Golden Age of Hollywood idolised. But this is more than that, it's a parting, or better put, a descension into the depths where the 'magic' of the old days is replaced by the cold slap in the face that is realism. The power of the past, and the need to make up fantasy to escape it and sometimes to even re-embrace it (even in the contrasting acting styles) is in the end crushed by reality.

while the story has its merit, it drags on a bit too much, and eventually turns into a one woman show. even though leigh is a remarkable actress, she's too theatrical, and sometimes downright annoying. on the other hand, brando is pure perfection, he dominates every scene he's in. Some good score and photography lifts the movie a notch as well.

A movie that will surely stand the test of time for its honest observations on the tumultuous pulls and pushes in our society's construction of the male/female relationship, powered by some of the best acting in all film, especially from Brando's raw, revolutionary performance.

Great movie for two reasons: Tennessee Williams' wonderful words, and Brando's amazing performance. Didn't think Vivien Leigh was all that great, but she wasn't bad either.