Today marks the 69-year anniversary of Elie Kazan’s film adaptation of renowned American play A Streetcar Named Desire. Tennessee Williams, considered one of the elite play writers of the 20th century, published the play in 1947, which subsequently opened on Broadway. Much of the events and characters presented throughout the story directly correlate with Williams’ personal life. Stanley Kowalski, a central figure of dominance throughout the play, is perceived as rambunctious and emphatic, a character much like Williams’ alcoholic father, whereas Tennessee’s mother is partially reflected through Stella, Stanley’s wife. Williams’ sister, Rose, bears resemblance to the main protagonist of the narrative, Blanche Dubois.
The story revolves around Blanche, an upper-class belle who leaves Belle Reve because of her iniquitous affairs, and seeks sanctuary by living with her sister and brother-in-law in downtown New Orleans in hope of starting a new life. From the minute Blanche steps into the Kowalski apartment, she is viewed with bitter resentment by her brother-in-law, initially because of her ostentatious appearance. The central conflict lies between Stanley and Blanche, and the tension grows substantially throughout the narrative as Blanche’s mask is slowly torn off and the audience and characters get to see her true personality.
A Streetcar
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Overall, Kazan’s cinematography and his technique of bringing excerpts from the play to the main screen is exceptional. There is undoubtedly some of the greatest acting of all time displayed by one of Hollywood’s greats, Marlon Brando. The general themes are clearly presented for the viewers, along with the characteristics and motifs of the characters. If you haven’t already, mare sure to grab some popcorn and watch this prodigious