233. A Streetcar Named Desire

A Streetcar Named Desire
1951
Directed by Elia Kazan

If you haven't seen this film, I have no idea what planet you have lived on for the past fifty years.  Actually, I hesitate to say that because I am sure that people my age probably have never even heard of it.  Damn kids.

In any case, you have probably heard countless references to the movie.  Off the top of my head:

All right, so for tradition's sake, I will give a brief summary of the film.  This movie is about….god, what is this film about?  I guess Blanche (Vivien Leigh) goes to live with her sister and her husband (Marlon Brando) and um, shit goes down.

Okay, it is a little hard to explain.  I think what has immortalized this film is mostly due to the great performances by the actors.  Leigh plays the emotionally damaged woman perfectly and Brando is a wonderful sexy asshole.  That actually is probably not too far off from real life…

I should also mention the unforgettable lines, not only "STELLA!" but also "I have always depended on the kindness of strangers."  Just watch so you can join the human race.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Vivien Leigh had bipolar disorder in real life and trouble separating her life from Blanche's.  Called it.

#47 in AFI's top 100.

One of two films to win three Academy Awards for acting.