"I never met a dame yet that didn't know if she was good-looking or not without being told, and there's some of them that give themselves credit for more than they've got."
Stanley Kowalski
A Streetcar Named Desire 1951
STELLA... !!! Don't you remember Stanley yelling that? I think I got way more out of the book, but still, Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh were exquisite, as they depict a story set in the French Quarter of New Orleans. I recall Stanley punching walls and doors, throwing items and dominating with loud presence. Was the general theme, as we went through the story of Stanley, Stella, Blanche and Mitch, about emotions? Maybe emotion in 1951 had to be more physical and outburst driven to get a point across, maybe it had to be noise-worthy for attention. Either way, I have to admit, that this streetcar, was named desire, and it was a creative look into those lives of some perceptually sane; yet, emotionally distracted.
We all know people that use their looks, their charm and their status to evoke power. We all know that those who don't see themselves as beautiful; are exceptionally humble and charismatic towards others. Does that make them desirable?
In A Streetcar Named Desire; Blanche was a fragile, lonely, and troubled woman. Showing up on the doorstep of her sisters home with circumstances surrounding her, until the door opened to an arrogant Stanley and a discovery of oneself.
Do we as people find our weaknesses because someone close to us points them out? Do we as people know what it is about ourselves that pushes someone else's buttons? In an environment where our soul is tested and our appearance isn't protected, we discover that maybe we are not as crystal clear as we seem to appear. Maybe we are clouded until someone clears the lens.
"Deliberate cruelty is unforgivable, and the one thing of which I have never,ever been guilty of." - Blanche DuBois
I quoted Stanley talking about someone being good looking. How there are some naturally beautiful dames without knowing, and some overly confident dames that are overzealous and claim their looks, but have empty souls. I believe in confidence. I believe in self worth. But, those who try to be someone they are not, is most disturbing. Our character is how we treat others; the look in ones eye is how the others shall treat us. But, I don't want to be given the free passage based on looks alone.
"I can't stand a naked light bulb, any more than I can a rude remark or a vulgar action." - Blanche DuBois
In 1951 the thematic appeal of this film was centered around underlined themes of persuasion, finances, appearances, loyalty, perception and deception. Was Blanche ultimately lonely, or was she just convincing? Was Stanley irate because he didn't like change to his routine or his circumstance? Was Mitch blind to love and appearances? Was Stella threatened by loyalty? As we uncover the lives of those we are closest to; we sometimes discover the lives in which we lead.
Troubled soul or not; empty reflection or broken heart, we are only tests to our own survey. So where do you rate?
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Comments
Enjoyed it. Rated.
JK Brady.. thanks a bunch!
scanner... I have a mind that gets inspiration from the people I am surrounded by. Plus.. movies make me relate to that moment in time when I watched them. This film drove me insane in high school. Yet, I appreciated the book for its hidden messages. Thanks for the continued readership and support!
Thoth... thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are a great supporter of these postings!