When looking back on the films we watched in class and thinking of actors, costumes, music and etc., I found that A Streetcar Named Desire, directed by Elia Kazan in 1951 and based on Tennessee Williams’ 1947 play, sticks out in my mind. I thought this was one of the best films I have seen. Everything about the film was great. The actors were by far the best part of the film. Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh were amazing! Their chemistry together was great, and they both transformed into their characters. Leigh made you feel sorry for Blanche and Brando make you love and hate Stanley at the same time.

         I thought the costumes were good for that time period. The movie was in black and white so you never can get a good idea of the women’s dresses in the film. The setting took place in New Orleans, which is captured in the film by the streetcars and the architecture. I wish the film were in color, so I can get a better idea of what New Orleans is like. New Orleans is gorgeous because of the buildings and the colors of the streets.

         I really enjoyed the way the film was made. There were some camera angles that worked really well for the film. For example, in the scene where Stanley is about to rape Blanche, the camera switches back and forth between Stanley and Blanche. You can see Stanley looking at Blanche, circling her. The camera is placed just behind Blanche, where you can also see the back of her body. Through this whole scene it switches back and forth.

         Alex North’s music for the film was fine from what I could tell. I did not really notice the music. Only at the beginning of the film when Blanche gets off the train, I can hear jazz music being played in the background. I thought this was good because New Orleans is known as the capital of jazz music. I have been to New Orleans, and everywhere one goes jazz music is being played. I thought this was a nice touch to the film.

         I cannot really think of anything that I would change about this film. I loved it and I am glad that I was able to see it. I have been a fan of Vivien Leigh’s since seeing her in Victor Fleming’s 1939 Gone With the Wind. Watching her portray Blanche make me see the struggles that she suffered throughout her career. This is a must see film.