Marlon Brando in "Brando"
courtesy of Turner Classic Movies
"Brando" (Turner Classic Movies)

Marlon Brando is considered to be one of the greatest actors the world has ever produced. He is the ultimate icon for professional actors and the greats and lesser greats pay homage to him at every turn. Some of these tributes can be seen and heard in the new TCM documentary titled "Brando."

The film plays out over two nights and is a complete look at the man, the actor, the life and the roles. It gives insight into his background and explores the impact of his parents - an alcoholic mother and an aloof and demanding father. 

Brando took his talent to New York and refined it with study at the Stella Adler School. He quickly became the toast of Broadway and topped this phase of his career with an unbelievable performance in "A Streetcar Named Desire." At this point Hollywood beckoned and he went from being a stage actor to being a movie actor/star.

Brando won an Oscar for his role as Terry Malloy in "On the Waterfront" and appeared at the ceremony and picked up his statue. Later when he was a winner for his role in "The Godfather" he refused the award and sent Sacheen Littlefeather to explain why he could not accept it. In the years between "Waterfront" and Godfather" Brando became an activist. He fought for the rights of blacks and for the rights of the American Indian. He also began to view his acting as a way to make money - period.

In this documentary it is telling in who appears on camera and who does not. His first wife Anna Kashfi speaks out but his later wives do not. Rita Moreno does not make comment and she was one of the loves of his life. Coppola, who directed "Godfather" does not appear, adding credence to the rumors of their testy relationship during the filming of "Apocalypse Now."

The "grab the money and run" movies that he made are glossed over and emphasis is given to his big hits such as "A Streetcar Named Desire," "On the Waterfront," "Julius Caesar," "The Godfather" and "Last Tango In Paris." Certain scenes are discussed and dissected so that the genius of Brando can be understood.

This documentary of Brando is a complete and complex picture of the man. It sings his praises but also uncovers some of the more disreputable elements of his character. He comes across as a womanizer, a poor father, a miserly human being, and a man who is careless with his talent. These traits are contrasted with a man who truly cared for the underprivileged and tried to improve their lot in life, as well as a man who loved music and cadence while marching to the beat of his own drummer.]

"Brando" is a two-part program on TCM. It is three hours in total length but it is a rich three hours that truly paints a well-rounded portrait of a frequently misunderstood man. Marlon Brando will live on in memory for the next few years but his legend will live forever.

Part I of "Brando" airs on TCM, Tuesday, May 1 at 8PM. Part 2 airs May 2 at 8PM.
 

 

 

 

 

©2007 Jackie K. Cooper

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