Watch A Streetcar Named Desire
- PG
- 1951
- 2 hr 2 min
-
7.9 (115,603)
A Streetcar Named Desire is a classic dramatic film from 1951, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Tennessee Williams. The film is directed by Elia Kazan and stars Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brando, and Kim Hunter. The film takes place in New Orleans and follows the story of Blanche DuBois (played by Vivien Leigh), a faded southern belle who has come to stay with her younger sister Stella (Kim Hunter) and her husband Stanley (Marlon Brando). Blanche is a delicate and fragile woman who is ridden with guilt and has spent her whole life trying to escape from the memories of her past.
As soon as Blanche arrives at Stella's apartment, she immediately starts to clash with Stanley, who is rough, rude and chauvinistic. Stanley resents Blanche's presence and begins to investigate her past, which leads to her undoing. The main storyline of the movie is the struggle between Blanche and Stanley, with Stella caught in the middle.
Blanche is a complicated character who is haunted by her past and desperately trying to keep up the façade of her former life as a wealthy southern belle. She is sensitive and easily hurt, and as her true nature is revealed, we see her unravel before our eyes. Vivien Leigh was the perfect actress to play Blanche, as she brings an air of vulnerability and sensitivity to the character that is unmatched.
Marlon Brando's performance as Stanley is one of the most iconic in film history. He brings an intensity and authenticity to the role of the brutish Stanley, which is unforgettable. His raw masculinity is a perfect foil to Blanche's frazzled femininity, and their scenes together are electric.
Kim Hunter also shines as Stella, who is caught between her love for her sister and her loyalty to her husband. She brings a quiet strength to the role, and her performance is understated and powerful.
The film is a masterpiece of American cinema, with beautiful cinematography that captures the mood and atmosphere of the time and place. The use of light and shadow to highlight the emotions of the characters is breathtaking, and the sets and costumes help to create a fully immersive world that draws you in.
The themes of the film are timeless and universal, exploring issues such as class, race, gender and power in a way that is both raw and emotional. The film showcases the struggle of a woman who is trying to fit into a society that is quickly changing, and coming to terms with her own inner demons.
Overall, A Streetcar Named Desire is a must-see movie for anyone who is interested in classic cinema. The performances of the three leads are unforgettable, and the themes and issues explored in the film are as relevant today as they were when the movie was made. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and watch this cinematic masterpiece.
A Streetcar Named Desire is a 1951 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. It has received outstanding reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 97.