On the Waterfront

Rating: 4.75/5

On the Waterfront is another movie in my Oscar Best Picture Watch-Through that I will absolutely be revisiting.

Unfortunately, during this Academy Awards marathon, there was a stretch in the '50s where I for some reason or another, had a hard time retaining much memory about the movie I had literally watched only moments before. Perhaps my brain was getting clouded by watching so many films in rapid succession, or it could very much also have been distractions off screen, but whatever the cause may have been, I sadly don't remember as much about On the Waterfront as I would like.

The reason On the Waterfront has such a high rating, but remains below other movies on my Best Picture Rankings list, is simply just because I can't remember it well enough to say if I liked it more than other movies I've watched after it. That being said, I absolutely recall being immensely impressed by Marlon Brando and Eva Marie Saint in this film. Their on screen chemistry was perfect and believable, and not at all like the typical movie romances one might normally find in the Golden days of Hollywood. It was very real, very palpable, and completely convincing.

As I write this review, more and more of the plot is starting to flood back into my memories, making me realize I not only need to adjust my rankings, but that I very much look forward to watching On the Waterfront again. But perhaps I should wait until some more time passes now that I've completed my massive Oscar journey.

1955 Best Picture Winner - On the Waterfront

1955 Best Actor in a Leading Role Winner - Marlon Brando

1955 Best Actress in a Supporting Role Winner - Eva Marie Saint

1955 Best Director Winner - Elia Kazan

1955 Best Writing, Story and Screenplay Winner - Budd Schulberg

1955 Best Cinematography, Black & White Winner - Boris Kaufman

1955 Best Art Direction - Set Direction, Black & White Winner - Richard Day

1955 Best Film Editing Winner - Gene Milford