Gifts in Reality

         If I could give Christmas presents to two actors, it would have to be Marlon Brando, who plays Stanley in Elia Kazan's 1951 film version of Tennessee Williams' 1947 play, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Lilia Prado, who plays Isabel in Luis Buñuel's 1954 Los Abismos de Pasion, based on Emily Brontë's 1847 novel, Wuthering Heights.

         Both actors play characters who seem completely lost in the reality of the situations they are in or get themselves into. To begin with, I would give Stanley a book on anger management and Chicken Soup for the Husband's Soul. It is a shame these were not around when the story took place. I believe this character has a difficult time controlling his temper and appreciating the good life he has with Stella. Brando plays a controlling and dangerous character. However, if Stanley were to receive these gifts, I doubt he would use them. Perhaps his reaction would be to destroy them; and once he finds out they cannot be smashed, I am sure he would set them on fire.

         The other character, Isabel, who is played by Lilia Prado, also needs to change her views. If I were to give a Christmas present to this character, it would be a compass and a paid vacation away from the "Mexican moors." She is blind and desperately needs to change the direction her life is heading in. It is difficult to believe that Isabel felt it was her duty to make Alejandro (Jorge Mistral) happy, despite his harsh treatment, including presenting her with a completely trashed dwelling, then verbally expressing the hate he feels toward her at the end. This gift might make it possible for her to open her eyes and have Isabel realize there are people actually worth her time. I would hope Isabel's reaction and choice would be smarter than those she has made in the past.

         Stanley and Isabel deserve these Christmas presents beccause they do a great job of getting across issues which still cause conflict today.

Sharel Carter

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