Marlon Brando's Acceptance In Film

Over the past fifty years, young people have become increasingly accepting of individuals who break social standards. This acceptance can be attributed to the influence of Hollywood actors such as Marlon Brando. Firstly, Brando’s wardrobe stretched the boundaries of what was socially acceptable. Additionally, his bold political work had a measurable influence on the attitudes of people towards racial minorities. As well as this, his portrayals of rebellious characters lead the public to be more accepting of alternative lifestyles. Young people’s beliefs in the 1950’s were highly influenced by movie actors, who behaved in increasingly daring and unconventional ways compared to past actors. It is clear that Marlon Brando influenced an acceptance

To begin with, Brando’s role in “The Wild One” helped to change young peoples’ views on motorcyclists. In the film, Brando plays Johnny Strabler, a member of a motorcycle gang. Prior to the film, motorcyclists were looked down upon by the public. Brando writes, “in this film we were accused of glamorizing motorcycle gangs, whose members were considered inherently evil with no redeeming qualities,” In the 1950’s motorcyclists were considered to be bad people because they did not live up to the conservative standards individuals held towards having a stable income and dressing appropriately. “The Wild One” portrayed motorcyclists in the movie in a more realistic light, which helped to change youths’ attitudes about motorcyclists. Moreover, in “On The Waterfront” Brando portrays a character (Terry Malloy) who fits the rebel stereotype, but also proves to be extremely likeable. Shulyer writes, “...we like Terry, but his reluctance to testify frustrates us; the wishy-washy demeanour of the washed-up boxer makes us root for him to recover his one-time toughness” Brando’s character fits the “tough guy” stereotype with his interest in boxing. The common belief in the 1950’s was that individuals who fit the “tough guy” stereotype were criminals and untrustworthy. Brando’s role helps to bring light to the fact that despite their bad reputations, many “tough guys” can also have redeeming qualities. All things considered, Brando’s rebellious roles help to present rebels in a more positive way, such as in his “On The Waterfront” and “The Wild One”