The character of Blanche felt more developed in the film rather than the play. In the film the viewer got the impression that Blanche was more fragile than how she was portrayed in the play. The way that Vivien Leigh leaned up against doorframes, used her hands to appear frantic, and her general body language gave life to Blanche. I also think that the music that accompanied Blanche really characterized her mood and the tension in many scenes. Although, the play had several notes about the music it was still difficult to image the tension without the music queuing the mood.
I had a problem with Stanley in the film. I imagined him to be more gruff and rough. Marlon Brando's acting almost made Stanley seem as if he was of the same class as Blanche and Stella, a distinction that was greatly emphasized in the play. Brando's physical appearance also surprised me as an actor for Stanley. From his description in the play I got the impression that Stanley was not a handsome man. The play characterized Stanley as having common features, not overly impressive. One area that I think that Brando accurately captured the character of Stanley was the way in which he captured his rage and anger with Blanche. At times, it was apparent that the anger was being controlled and at other time is obvious that the anger towards Blanche was unleashed.
I think that the only area that I wish was different in the film was that of Stella. In the play she played more of a prominent role. In the film it appears that Stella's character was marginalized by the over powering characters of Blanche and Stanley.
I think that overall the film was true to the play. I think that the acting was a good adaptation of the characters, which enhanced the depth of the play.
5 comments:
Being able to hear the music while watching the movie had a definate impact. Although we knew what was going on while reading it, it wasn't the same as actually hearing the music as we saw the actors moving and interacting. Also, unlike what you said, I thought Stanley was very similar to what I had imagined. Everyone seemed to be saying that he seemed more rough or something in the play, but to me I thought the character was very good. Although he was attractive, he was kind of dirty and angry. I thought that his anger fits were done very well. It was obvious that little things set him off a lot, and that's how I imagined it while reading.
I definately think that the character of Stanley could have been played by an actor more appropriate for the role. Stanley seemed to be too accustomed to the lifestyles of the girls to be seen as anything but an Americanized Immigrant, a much different picture than what I got at least from the play. Also the music was definately a good touch in the movie, instead of just imagining the music you can see how it really sounds and why it makes Blanche react the way it does. Awesome thoughts :)
I definitely agree that Blanche's "hysteria" in the movie does emphasize how fragile she is, even at the beginning of the movie. In the play, she starts out seemingly strong (though completely full of it)and then falls from grace. I also agree that the Stanley in the movie does seem to have a soft spot for Stella that is stronger than the one we saw when reading the play.
Kyle,
I do believe as well that Blanche was portrayed very well in the film, with her weak personality, and constant flashbacks of her husband dying haunting her. Her actions were much better seen in the play as you stated, for I think it is partially because as the viewer you were actually able to see the different situations that Blanche was in and how she reacted to them. I feel that she was shown to be the most “fragile” as you described her when she felt that she was being pressured which was mostly around Stanley. I did not care for Brando playing the part of Stanley for he did seem to be a little different than that of the one described in the play. I do not think that he came off as being of the same class as Blanche and Stella, but he did not to me, fit into the description of Stanley. As you stated, I also think that he is a little too good looking for the role I which he played. As for Stella, I enjoyed her being more insignificant for it made her seem more innocent and at a loss of control for the things in her life.
I agree with you in that the actors did a well job t protraying the characters, although Blanche seemed a bit overdone. But overall I agree and think that the movie well did the play, blaming any problems I had with the characters on the fact that we all have different ideas of what we think the character should be.
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