"Oh I don't mind you being older than what I thought. But all the rest of it. That pitch about your ideals being so old-fashioned and all the malarkey that you've been dishin' out all summer. Oh, I knew you weren't sixteen anymore. But I was fool enough to believe you was straight."
When Blanche DuBois (played by Vivien Leigh) moves in with her sister and brother-in-law in New Orleans, tensions arise on the subject of Blanche's true identity.
This movie wasn't anything like I expected it would be. I wasn't anticipating the theme of physical and emotional abuse in a relationship, nor a "young" woman's severe neuroticism. The plot has deeply intertwined layers that may require a second viewing to fully understand. The personalities of the three main characters are quite complex through simple actions. As a psychology student, I found it fascinating to analyze how their behaviors quench certain natural desires within them.
The lead role, Blanche, attempts to conceal her dishonorable past as well as frequently deny her actual age. Both of these factors signify basic human weakness, as well as a craving for approval from peers. Stanley is an emotional, physical, and sexual abuser. He demands perfection out of both Vivien and Kim, most likely because of abuse that he had endured in the past combined with his inevitable hate for women. His wife Stella continuously threatens to leave him, but soon caves in with forgiveness time after time for his inexcusable wrong-doings. It's a not so rare cycle that's still extremely relevant in today's society.
Thankfully, the acting wasn't cheesy like a lot of other films from the 50's. Vivien Leigh, Marlon Brando, and Kim Hunter fit their roles perfectly. Though not the best I've seen, this movie was thoroughly entertaining. I'll give it a 7/10.
Characters: 7.3/10
Acting: 7.1/10
Storyline: 7.3/10
Entertainment Value: 6.9/10
Immediate Rating: 7/10
Total Score: 35.6/50
