On the Waterfront

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"I could have been a contender, I could have been somebody." This iconic line from Terry Malloy (Marlon Brando) to his brother Charley (Rod Steiger) encapsulates the essence of a film set among New York longshoremen, exploring themes of corruption and personal redemption. The film features remarkable performances by Brando, Steiger, and Eva Marie Saint, alongside Karl Malden and Lee J. Cobb, complemented by Boris Kaufman's cinematography and Leonard Bernstein's score, all contributing to its legendary status. However, the film is also infamous for its perceived justification of director Elia Kazan's decision to name names before the House Un-American Activities Committee, a choice that sparked significant controversy and remains contentious today, highlighted by the backlash surrounding Kazan's Lifetime Achievement Oscar in 1999. With the passing of Kazan in 2003 and Brando in 2004, a reexamination of this classic is both timely and essential. In this comprehensive study, Leo Braudy delves into the intricate production history, revisiting the controversy surrounding Kazan's testimony. He also analyzes the film's lasting appeal, focusing on its Method-inspired acting, evocative music and cinematography, authentic settings, and its potent symbolic representation of post-war American values.