On the Waterfront Film As Litterature Review!

The film On the Waterfront, directed by Elia Kazan, is a true American classic that portrays a David and Goliath type story in which Terry Malloy (Marlon Brando) stands up for the rights of dockworkers in a corrupt New Jersey union. He “whistle blows” to ameliorate the livelihood of those around him. By doing this, Terry loses a great deal along the way, but he learns many valuable lessons and secures a profitable future for the dockworkers. Overall, this film was exceedingly effective in teaching me the fundamentals of being a canary in case I should need them. It also was effective in portraying an underdog story in which a large group of people gain their rights. This film was exciting, thought provoking, and an excellent choice in which to analyze aspects of film and similarities with All My Sons.
The literary aspects of this film are appealing to me because they actually help the film to realize its full potential. The plot is an in-depth, interesting, twisted thing from a time before Hollywood’s gangster fad began. It tells a compelling story that both excites you, and forces you to mourn during scenes of tragic death. The characters are well thought up and have realistic emotions in proportion to what happens. They are deep and complex, while remaining simple to relate to. The setting is very appropriate, being approximately when the movie was filmed. It takes place in a New Jersey shipping town and the portrayals of city life are fantastic. The themes of this film were antagonizing and interesting at the same time. Seeing how Terry, though helping the dockworkers through whistle blowing, was shunned because of fear is difficult to watch. But on the other hand, it is good to see someone do something to change the depravity that exists at the docks. The mob has no right choosing who works and who doesn’t, and their command of the union is hurting everyone outside of the mob’s select few. The point of view in On The Waterfront is intriguing in that Terry could have been one of the mobsters, but instead met a woman that he fell in love with who wanted the workers to stand up for themselves. Because of this one woman that he meets, Edie, Terry changes sides completely, including giving up a prosperous future career of cheating men out of their money. The symbols in this film mainly include David and Goliath. Terry, a mere mortal yet semi-well connected worker singlehandedly takes on the Union God (Johnny Friendly). Terry took him down with a single pebble from a slingshot (testimony in a court hearing). The literary aspects of On the Waterfront are compelling and greatly enhance the film’s effectiveness and awesomeness.
The dramatic aspects on the other hand, were the only thing that even got close to letting down the film. The actors were, for the most part, quite convincing. Marlon Brando as Terry Malloy did a magnificent job playing a brave, but sometimes idiotic character. Karl Malden as Father Barry was a brave, charismatic priest who convinced the dockworkers to stand up for themselves. Lee J. Cobb played Johnny Friendly excellently. He must be a mob boss in real life for he was convincing beyond belief. Rod Steiger as Charley Malloy performed well as the older, less rebellious brother of Terry. He was a good brother in that, though he acted tough and mean, he was compassionate and caring when he wouldn’t be made fun of. Eva Marie Saint on the other hand performed poorly in her role as Edie Doyle. She was far too unemotional in the emotional scenes and overemotional in the unemotional scenes. In general, she was a negative factor for the movie, although she is quite good looking. But Pop Doyle, played by John Hamilton was a great character, playing the weak old man that still stood up for his rights. Finally, Pat Henning’s portrayal of Kayo was fantastic. I actually believed he was an old man working at the docks. In addition to actors, the costumes were quite exquisite. There was a high attention to detail, or lack of detail that encompasses the clothing worn by the poor at the time. All articles of clothing were fantastically designed for the characters. The make-up was also good. I’m certainly no expert when it comes to make-up, but one could not tell if someone was wearing make-up or not, except for Edie of course. The make-up that I did see looked good though. The set design and props were first class. I’m starting to get the feeling that the film was actually filmed in a city in New Jersey. Also, all of the props, since the setting was probably a real town, were excellent. Finally, the lighting was decent. Some scenes appeared too bright or too dark, but for the most part there was no lack in lighting. Shadows were created when needed, but the lighting did not significantly affect the film in my opinion.
The cinematic aspects of On the Waterfront were nearly spectacular. I say nearly because there was no scene that was especially awe inspiring like in some scifi adventure with shots of people flying around with jetpacks. But, every shot that I saw was good, none were at a bad angle, too far, or too close. The distance of the shots was next to perfect with catching what should be in the scene and nothing extra. It’s hard to understand scenes when there is a close-up but an item is missing because it is bigger. The same thing applies to longer shots than necessary. When too much can be seen in the background, it distracts the viewer from what is important. On the Waterfront did neither of these things. The Camera movements were good, following the characters without making me dizzy. I dislike movies where the camera moves too much and confuses me about where things are. The duration of shots was again quite well-done. No shots were overly long and that one showing Terry’s face when Kayo dies is absolutely perfect in length. Any longer and it would have been just another shot, but its length makes it stand out. The editing was good, although sometimes the transitions got boring. But hey, this is the fifties for peat-sake! Considering how not-100-years-old film was at the time, the editing is pretty good. Finally, the sound was not as good as I would have hoped for. It was decent music, but it was either too loud and distracting in emotional scenes, or too quiet during chase scenes. The music rarely seemed to fit what was going on in the movie, and thus On the Waterfront was weakened by it. In summary, the cinematic aspects of the film were well above average, but it failed to reach their full potential because of a few aspects.
On the Waterfront is a compelling film about “whistle blowing” and its benefits. Hmmmm, kind of reminds me of All My Sons! Who knew that Mrs. Burgess would chose a film that related to the play we just read? I did, and that’s why I am prepared to compare and contrast the two. To start, we have our two protagonists Keller and Terry. Keller just killed twenty-one people and should be in jail, but he blamed his innocent friend who was convicted of the crimes and imprisoned. Terry on the other hand had lured Joey to the rooftop to be, what he thought was questioning, murdered. Now the main difference between the two is that Terry is innocent and Keller is guilty. But what I’m sure you would like to hear is that the main ethical dilemma is whether family/reputation is more important than the lives of others/the community. If yes to the first one, you’d be a Keller (murderer). If yes to the second, you’d be a Terry (hero). I’m not sure exactly how Keller figured the lives of twenty-one pilots less important than his family of 4’s livelihood, but Terry had the right idea about doing what is right even if it means forsaking friends. Basically the similarities are that people blow their whistles in both All My Sons and in On the Waterfront. Each is a different example of the outcomes and reasons for “whistle blowing”
In termination of this review, I would most definitely recommend everyone to go see On the Waterfront for themselves. It is a fantastic film with a great cast, plotline, and cinematographers. Marlon Brando is a beast in this film and portrays his character like a really good actor, which he is. The plot is compelling and nearly forces one to pay attention throughout the film’s entirety. The camera shots, angles, and distances also aid the film is getting its message across by being easy on the eyes yet impossible not to pay attention to. There is one main theme in the film, being if one should follow their moral compass, or the traditions of the community in which they live. The longshoremen go to work each day and if questioned by the police, stick to D and D to ensure their safety from the mob. Until Terry comes along with the will to end it, the mob controls the union and keeps unfair amounts of everyone’s earnings. On the Waterfront is a fantastic film the whole family can enjoy. Go see it now!

Post B #3

Dear Stephen,

Your views on religion are indeed hysterical. I must agree that, since I am Christian, it is the true religion. But, I also think that others should be respected and awknowledged even though we may not agree. If someone draws a picture of Jesus, people may critic it or just say that it is everywhere. But if someone were to draw a picture of Mohammed, a mere profit, the Muslim world would descend into chaos and the artist would be blow to smitherenes. I do not say this to critisize muslims, but I am pointing out how both you, and the majority of americans would expect reactions to pictures of religious figures. I also have noticed how when Christians go to war, the fact that God is on their side has allowed them to either win militarily or through economy or society. To be blatant about it, Christians have never lost.

In addition to this, I have noticed how you say protatinism is heresay. I must disagree with you on this because I am Lutheran, but I understand how you feel about different sects of Christianity. I would also love to see one united religion, and I don't understand why the average person would care about the swapping of a word in the nicene creed or the Lord's prayer. I honestly doubt they do care. Your poem on the ACLU is hillarious. I'm sure it really sticks a pole up the media's rear!

I love how America is supposed to be a free country religious-wise, but people that are Christian do not treat people of their own religon as well as others..... I do not understand this at all. Why should other religions be allowed to practise in public schools while Christianity is not, and why are people not forced to say the Pledge of Allegiance! I shouldn't matter whether or not it mentions God! It is a pledge of allegiance to your country that you should love. If you do not love it, move to China or Russia. That, or do something about it without breaking the rules the Constitution has layed out. Also, Christians have free speach too, so why can't we pray in school?Neither the First nor the Fourteenth Amendment was intended to stifle all rapport between religion and government and thus the majority of Americans should be allowed to pray in public!

Post A #3

Vocab:

1. Windfall: An unexpected gain, piece of good fortune, or the like. Noun (51).
2. Omnipotent: Almighty or infinite in power, as God. Adjective (52).

Figurative Language:

1. Metaphore: Plus a whole bunch of magical beings based in different parts of nature? That's not a religion, that's Pokemon" (58). This passage is comparing 'a whole bunch of magical beings' to Pokemon without using like or as. Very metiphorical.
2. Symbol: "A Visit From St. Secular" "'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; Mamma in her herchief, and I in the nude, Were shocked that our holiday had been misconstrued, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what wwas the matter. (Mind you I'm still nude.) Out to the lawn in my glory, I flew. To see my manger disassembled by the ACLU" (63). This is an example of imagery, because it is Stephen Colbert's summation of America today. Separation of Chruch and State does not mean no public religion...
3. Irony: "If a guy wants to shoot himself up with hormones or chimp sperm, that's his buisness" (73). This is irony because it is ironic that Stephen says this, mainly because of his views on Government intervention...

Quote:

1. "Islam is a great and true religion revealed in the Holy Koran which was dictated by the angel Gabriel to the final prophet Mohammed, Blessing and Peace Be Upon Him" (60). I think this quote is significant because it shows how we are supposed to treat Muslims these days, even if one does not like them. Hillary doesn't care about how Christians feel, as long as Muslims are treated like royalty.

Theme:

1. This section of the book is mostly about how Colbert views religion and sports; Christianity rules all and steroids are key.

Post B #2

Dear Stephen Colbert,

I truely appreciate your views on animals. Peta must be sending you complaint letters daily. Animal rights seem to be publicized often in today's society, but I personally doubt that too many people care. You book makes me think the opposite; that people truely think animals should be dominated and mistreated! How interesting. I believe that your views in your book are probably not your realy oppinions, but they are quite drole. Your book is funny and I often find myself unable to keep from laughing.

You stated that, "I remember growing up, old man Schmidt would sit in that rocking shair of his like he was manning a guard tower at a Nazi preison camp. One step onto his immaculate "Master Lawn" was enough to trigger the old man's shriek of "Auf Meine Grass! Das ist Verboten"" (26). This quote is hillarious! Not only is it terrible unpolitiacally correct, but it is quite inginuitive. I makes me think of that one joke, "My grandpa died in the holocaust; he fell off a watch tower". It has that kind of awful yet funny aura around it.

Also, talking about how people have "Master Lawns" seems very american. I don't understand why people pride themselves so much on their lawns. Do they have nothing else in life going for them? Well, nonetheless it is a very common thing today. Finally, the word Verboten is awsome and there is a sign in Herr Baron's class that says no weed aloud in german, and I always think of that when I hear "verboten". Well that is all for now Stephen, I'll make sure to write you again next week.

Post A #2

Vocab

1. Manifesto: A public declaration of intentions, opinions, objectives, or motives, as one issued by a government, sovereign, or organization. Plural noun (34).
2. Perpetuate: To preserve or make available (testimony) for later use at a trial by means of deposition esp. when the evidence so gathered would be otherwise unavailable or lost. Transitive verbe (41).

Figurative Language

1. Irony: "The first thing I'm going to do is have a steak" (41). This is ironic because it is comming from a hindu cow. So, the cow thinks that when it becomes a human, it will eat a steak. A cow eating steak... Very ironic indeed.
2. Metaphore: "Religion is the cornerstone of civilisation" (45). This is a metaphore because it is comparing religion to the cornerstone of civilisation without using like or as.
3. simile: "Think of "Judeo-Chrisitan" like "Sears, Roebuck & Co." -Judaism is Roebuck" (47). This is a simile because Judeo-Chrsitian is compared to Sears, Roebuck & Co. using the word like. Only, Judaism is the Roebuck.

Quote

1. "My God can beat up your God" (50). This quote is significant because it explains Stephen's views on religion; Christianity pwns all.

Theme

1. An emerging theme in this book is that pets should be dominated by humans.

Mrs. Burgess's Instructions

Post A
- 2 vocabulary words that you found in the book (with page numbers). Define them in the blog.
- 3 examples of figurative language (irony, personification, imagery, metaphor, symbol, simile, onomatopoeia, etc.) and how you know it is that literary element.
- Pick a quote from the reading and explain its significance (include page number).
- Write a sentence in which you describe one emerging theme of the book.

Post B A
thoughtful response to the book of approximately 250 words. You must cite the page you're referring to as well. Some possible ways to respond to literature include: pick a quote and comment on its significance make connections to the book (self, text, world, media), analyze the protagonist (or author if it’s nonfiction), pretend you're writing a letter to the author or main character, etc. There are many many ways you can do this.

Post B #1

Dear Stephen Colbert,

I respect your ideas, and sadly, agree with quite a few of them. This book has been very political thus far, and I know that your views, at least in character, are largely conservative. I am the same way. I do not lean totally right, but for the most part I do. Also, your views seem to be different than those voiced by most people in the US at the moment, but then again you have talked about how noisy and complaintive liberals are. Also, the media seems to be very liberal and your ideas clash with theirs often.

You seem to be very critical of many liberal ideas, namely welfare, social security, and gay marriage. I understand why you think that welfare is bad, people that don't have jobs just sit around all day watching TV and living off welfare. Then your views social security are understandable, but I think the main reason it is bad is that there are not enough young people to pay for it. If there were enough children being had, then it wouldn't be such a problem. You seem to think that it is a terrible idea no matter what.

You also rip on the elderly, which is awfully funny. But, it is also kind of mean... Besides steal your money and look weird, what have the elderly done to you? Anyways, I also think that your jokes are hillarious and that your views on parenting are comical beyond belief. You truely are a conservative funnyman.

Post A #1 again, different book

Vocab

1. Corollary: An immediate consequence or easily drawn conclusion. noun, (8).
2. Deftly: Dexterous; nimble; skillful; clever: deft hands; a deft mechanic. adverb, (15).

Figurative Language

1. Imagery: "The time your child spends trying to figure them (the rules) out is time he won't be stapling firecrackers to the neighbor's dog" (11). This is imagery because it paints a vivid picture of this action in my mind.
2. Metaphore: "Divorce is maritial welfare" (14). This is a metaphore because it compares divorce to maritial welfare without using like or as.
3. Simile: "They look like lizards" (22). This is a simile because it uses the word like to compare old people and lizards.

Quote

1. "One of Pop's most important jobs is protecting his little family. That's why he needs to sleep with that 9mm under his pillow. And pack it with hollow point bullets. At the least sign of movement in his castle past 8PM, he should wake up firing. Let God, Allah, or Hanuman the monkey god sort them out, am I right?" (8). This quote is significant because it is funny, and the whole book is funny. To an extent, this book is a joke, so I thought this small paragraph might summarize the book at this point.

Theme

1. The theme of this book so far is Colbert's views on America and its society.