Marlon Brando: The Master of Method Acting

The Early Years: A Streetcar Named Desire and On the Waterfront

Marlon Brando's early film work in the 1950s was massively influential, with movies like A Streetcar Named Desire and On the Waterfront popularizing his naturalistic performances and revolutionizing the film industry. In A Streetcar Named Desire, Brando played the intensely masculine and brutish Stanley Kowalski, a role that launched him from a relative unknown to a world-renowned movie star, earning him an Academy Award nomination and influencing decades of screen performances.

Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh in Streetcar Named Desire

On The Waterfront, another iconic film, showcased Brando's raw, emotional performance as Terry Malloy, an up-and-coming boxer persuaded by a local mob boss to throw a fight, sacrificing his career. Brando's exceptional nuance in portraying Malloy's moral journey earned him his first Academy Award.

Terry talking to his brother in On the Waterfront.

These early films set the gold standard for modern film acting and established Brando as a trailblazer in the industry.

Marlon Brando in On the Waterfront

The Godfather: The Pinnacle of Brando's Career

Marlon Brando's portrayal of Don Vito Corleone in The Godfather is commonly considered one of the most captivating screen performances ever. From the moment the actor comes on screen in the crime epic, his quietly alluring presence grips the viewer into his world. This role earned Brando his second Academy Award, making for one of the most well-deserved Oscars ever granted.

iconic scene from The Godfather depicting Bonasera whispering into the ears of Vito Corleone

Brando's transformation into the mafia Don, in appearance, voice, and composure, solidified his legacy as a master of method acting. The Godfather is not only Brando's best movie but is also commonly considered the best movie of all time.

Vito Corleone plays with his grandson before he has a heart attack in The Godfather

His performance as Don Vito Corleone has had an enormous cultural influence and has left a lasting imprint on the film industry.

Vito Corleone discuses Nevada investments with his Consigliere in The Godfather

The Fugitive Kind, Mutiny On The Bounty, and The Chase

In The Fugitive Kind, Brando played the character Valentine 'Snakeskin' Xavier, who arrives in a small town and becomes entangled in the lives of its eccentric residents. His portrayal of Snakeskin with incredible charisma amidst internal conflicts showcases Brando's ability to transform into complex characters.

Marlon Brando in The Fugitive Kind

Mutiny on the Bounty is a sea-faring drama where Brando plays Fletcher Christian, a First Lieutenant who initiates a mutiny against the ship's cruel Captain William Bligh. Brando's personable depth to the character makes it easy to root for him, adding a thrilling dimension to the film.

Marlon Brando in Mutiny on the Bounty

In The Chase, Brando stars alongside icons Jane Fonda and Robert Redford, playing Sheriff Calder, a lawman caught in a series of dangerous events following a prison break. His intense performance as Sheriff Calder demonstrates his versatility and ability to bring depth to sympathetic characters.

Marlon Brando in The Chase