Marlon Moments and Memories

In honor of Marlon Brando's birthday today (as my header will inform you), I thought it would be a good idea for us to all share something about the iconic, groundbreaking actor. The man, who would have been 87 today, left a whole, rich history of thought provoking, intriguing memories -- both as a professional actor and as a scarred and sad human being -- that resonate because of the passion and humanity that consume them. It actually wasn't until after Streetcar that I realized how amazing he was; it was when I first finished On The Waterfront that I was blown away. Blown away by how he could play someone as raw and brutal as Stanley Kowalski and then as humble and sensitive as Terry Malloy with making every beat as genuine as the next and making them both so human, dimensional, and imaginative. People who lived lives outside of their vivid, fascinating on-screen worlds that not only hold up today, but deepen after each viewing.

For my screen moment, I may have to settle for a semi-obvious choice (not a bad choice at all though), but a choice that I can't ignore.

In A Streetcar Named Desire when Stanley blows his top, things have hit an almost new low.

After snapping out of his fiercely charged bit of explosive domination towards his pregnant wife, Stanley dripping wet from the shower and his tears, comes to the realization of what he has done.

He calls out for his babygurl, but nobody answers.

Ashamed and more visibly vulnerable than ever, Stanley sobs in a way we would never think a man like himself would do. But he knows he must win her back.

Beckoning to Euince above to have Stella come down does no good, so in one of the greatest/most famous lines of all time, Stanley with all of his lung power bellows for his baby to come back to him...

"HEY STELLLLLAHHHH!!"

Through lust and steamy heat, Stella makes her way down the iron wrought stairs where Stanley stands below desperate, hurt, and looking like a lost puppy.

Once Stella reaches him, the two embrace with sexy, raw, animalistic passion; brought together by the powerful effect of pure lust. 

Brando (with of course the help of Kim Hunter) is the reason why this scene is so damn emotionally effective as it should be. He doesn't just provide us with another deep facet of this dynamic character, but also shows us a new side to the real Marlon Brando -- someone confused, complex, vulnerable, and completely human. Brando and Hunter charge the scene with electric clarity, and more than that, make it transcend celluloid and soar into pure cinematic heaven and into the human soul. Brando was something else on screen; a performer flowing with magnetic charisma and compelling, undeniable screen presence -- perhaps the most influential and greatest breakthrough performance by an American actor ever.   

    
So today, if you will, share your favorite on screen Brando moment(s) and/or memories that have stuck with you.