how do you rate Marlon Brando as an actor? (filming, height, acting)

[greatblueheron]

His performance in A Streetcar Named Desire (movie), was absolutely mesmerizing...

I have not seen all his films but he was highly respected as an actor...by other actors/directors. His biography was an interesting read...

Originally Posted by English Dave

I think I should add, my comments on George Clooney is not to pick on him in particular.
At least he tries to make films with interesting story lines. Difficult today, with the average
cinema goer being about 14 years old! I think all movie stars want to leave at least a couple
of classic films behind when their careers are over. It's difficult in these days of films like
'Transformers'!! Easier back in the 40s to 80s when films were being made for adults. I
think the only modern performer who has managed to achieve this is Tom Hanks. Marlon
Brando was always worth watching, and in films like 'Streetcar' and 'The Godfather' was
riveting to watch.

[Cida]

Mixed feelings. Mostly very good. He was certainly distinctive. You might get broader views in the Movie forum.

[Twinkle Toes]

He was alright as an actor, but I definitely do not like him as an acter!

[CA4Now]

Phenomenal! There was no one like him. Watch "On the Waterfront" again.

[English Dave]

^^^ So true! Even in films like 'Mutiny on the Bounty' he had the courage to play the
part of Fletcher Christian in a very unusual way. Foppish and slighty feminine. At the time
a lot of critics did'nt see how brave he was to play the part this way, so unlike Clark Gable
in the original. He was a one off. He was never boring, and always tried to make more of
what sometimes was in the script. He towers above todays so called male stars.

[Lucky Lady123]

On The Waterfront
A Streetcar Named Desire
The Godfather

Three of his best films IMO.

[lilypad]

He is above the rest. I saw him in a movie many years ago, called One Eyed Jacks, considered his best performance.

[English Dave]

Marlon is very good in 'One Eyed Jacks'. This is the only film he ever directed. It is a
very unusual western. Karl Malden loved to work with Brando, he once said something
along the lines of, if Marlon calls, I'll come running. It's such a shame he made so few
great films. He threw it away really, it just became a way to make money. I remember
the actor James Mason once said with regret "Marlon could have done anything, the
studios would have put up the money, he chose not to, I don't know why." His range
was massive, he could do Shakespeare or leather clad thugs. There will never be another
like him, or as great.

[Debsi]

He is electric on screen.

I love him in Guys and Dolls, among others.

[English Dave]

That's range for you - musicals already!!! He even played Superman's dad. Took it serious
too. I don't know what happened to him in the 60s. He even tried comedy in 'A Countess
From Hong Kong' directed by Charles Chaplin. It was'nt his fault Chaplin was in serious
decline by then. Even sex comedy in 'Candy'!! Luckily, he got 'The Godfather' in the 70s,
so we have that great performance. We should have many more good films to remember
this marvellous actor for. Sadly, there are only a few.