On the Waterfront Film Essay Example

On the Waterfront is a film that defies all ages and brings about different approaches, themes, and symbols that integrate together to make the film great. Elia Kazan, the director of the movie brings about a masterpiece in his inception and execution of various approaches to make a film so old yet so great to the point that it is relevant over six decades later. Released on 28th of June 1954, the classic story film combines four different approaches that are; the aesthetic approach, the economic approach, the technological approach, and the film as a social history. In my opinion, the film combined two approaches that appeared to have superior dominance over the others, these two approaches are; the aesthetic approach and the film as a social and cultural history approach. These two approaches are dominant given the plot and age of the film, and the storyline that has been depicted to submit a controversial story based on real life events (Kazan).

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Aesthetic approach of the film appears impressive in the director's prowess of bringing together great actors and film makers, as well as incepting different ideas to paint a well- grasped story to the audience. The film as a social and cultural approach is well displayed in the film, where the story that surrounds drama and gangster life is a norm evident in the global era of the 21st century. The film brings into light the vices and ills in the society, which even the critics of the film cannot shy away from praising. The film accomplishes a milestone of awards given its morality tale of corruption which it paints impressively to shedding a light on the good acts of defeating it and saving the community by a morally- redeemed martyr. The film also boasts of naturalistic acting style with actors having a real life background on their role in the film (Kazan).

Instilling bias in the historical perspective of the film, the baseline of the story emerges from a story on The Sun newspaper that had highlighted an expose by Malcom Johnson, a reporter with the newspaper. The story revealed extortions, rampant bribery, payoffs, tyrannical influence of the mob, theft, kickbacks to union officials, and murder; which were on actual dockside events. A film is made great by various aspects that are; plot, characters, visuals, dialogue, great locations, and impeccable equipment. On the Waterfront is a movie that brings together these aspects in immersed level given it is over six decades old. In my honest opinion, On the Waterfront is a great film given that it received praises in equal measure as it was criticized. The debate that surrounds the movie just brings into play the evidence that it caught the eye of many, which translates to it reaching the heights of greatest films, actually I would rate it as one of the best epic films produced to date.

Conclusion

In conclusion, On the Waterfront levels all measures of themes, symbols, and narrative elements that are found in great movies. The film has a well laid out plot that captures the attention of the audience, it blends the characters so perfectly to the point that the message in the film is felt and well put. I believe that it beat the odds among movies produced in its era and thus, deserves greater accolades than it achieved.

Works Cited

On the Waterfront. Dir. Elia Kazan. 1954.