A Streetcar Named Desire is a 1951 American Southern Gothic drama film directed by Elia Kazan and adapted from Tennessee Williams's Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name. The film stars Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brando, Kim Hunter, and Karl Malden. The story follows Blanche DuBois, a former schoolteacher from Mississippi who moves in with her sister and brother-in-law in a dilapidated New Orleans apartment building. The film deals with themes of violence, sexuality, and mental illness. A Streetcar Named Desire is considered a classic of American cinema and is known for its powerful performances and vivid portrayal of the seedy underbelly of New Orleans
Plot
The plot of A Streetcar Named Desire revolves around Blanche DuBois, a former schoolteacher from Mississippi, who moves in with her sister and brother-in-law in a dilapidated New Orleans apartment building. The story unfolds as follows:
- Blanche's sister, Stella, is married to Stanley Kowalski, a Polish immigrant and auto-parts supply man. Stella is pregnant with their child, and Blanche has come to help her during her confinement.
- Blanche's ne'er-do-well husband, Allan, has died, and she receives a telegram informing her of his death. This news prompts her to move in with her sister.
- Blanche's social condescension clashes with Stella's husband, Stanley, who distrusts her and suspects her of having cheated on Stella. This tension threatens to break up the Kowalski household.
- A teenage boy collects money for the newspaper, and when he comes to the apartment, Blanche is alone and vulnerable. She offers him money in exchange for companionship, which later leads to rumors about her past.
- Mitch, a friend of Stella and Stanley, takes Blanche on a date. During the date, they discuss their pasts, and Blanche reveals her true reasons for moving in with her sister.
- The story delves into themes of violence, sexuality, and mental illness, as the charactersgrapple with their own demons and desires.
- The film culminates in a climactic moment where Blanche, drunk and distraught, sits alone in the apartment, while Mitch, also drunk, arrives and repeats all he's learned from Stanley about Blanche's past.
Trailer
Cast
- Vivien Leigh as Blanche DuBois
- Marlon Brando as Stanley Kowalski
- Kim Hunter as Stella Kowalski
- Karl Malden as Mitch
- Ann-Margret as Eunice
- John Goodman as Steve
- Fred Coffin as Pablo
- Rondi Reed as Eunice
- Carlos Gomez as Pablo
- Matt Keeslar as Newspaper Collector
- Diane Lane as Stella Kowalski (uncredited)
Director: Elia Kazan
Writer: Oscar Saul, Tennessee Williams, Tennessee Williams
Box Office Gross: $50,769
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Genre: Drama
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 1, 1951
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 2, 2013
Theme
The theme of A Streetcar Named Desire revolves around distinctly American sexual and social decadence. The film delves into the fragility of human passion and the anxieties of the post-World War II era. It explores the perversion of gentility and the struggles of the characters with their desires, making it a powerful commentary on human frailty and the American Dream.
Reception
A Streetcar Named Desire is considered a classic of American cinema. It has received widespread critical acclaim for its powerful performances and vivid portrayal of the seedy underbelly of New Orleans. The film's unflinching exploration of violence, sexuality, and mental illness has contributed to its enduring legacy and cultural significance.
Production Challenges
The film was made during a time when Hollywood was grappling with censorship and the question of its stance on the American Dream. The production had to navigate the constraints of the era, particularly in its portrayal of sex and social themes. The adaptation from the original play also presented challenges in bringing the story to the screen while satisfying the censorship of the time.
Settings, Visual Styles, and Techniques
Set in the gritty French Quarter of New Orleans, the film captures the atmosphere of the location, emphasizing the seedy and decaying surroundings. The visual style of the film reflects the era's film noir genre, employing dark, expressionist visual terms to convey the anxieties and themes of the story. The use of lighting and cinematography contributes to the film's intense and dramatic atmosphere.
Trivia and Fun Facts
- The film marked a significant moment in the careers of its lead actors, Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando, both of whom delivered iconic performances.
- A Streetcar Named Desire was directed by Elia Kazan and adapted from Tennessee Williams's Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name.
- The film's enduring legacy lies in its unflinching portrayal of human frailty and passion, despite the constraints of the censorship era.