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Brando was not just an "entertainer" but an immensely skilled

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In Reply to: Re: A Paul Newman comment: posted by afilado on March 16, 2007 at 23:24:58:

artist. He studied acting with and became the most famous proponent of a certain acting style which, I believe, came from Russian theater (Stanislovski? going on really old memory, here).
Brando's fame originated from his massive success in the theater, starring in, especially, Tennessee Williams's plays.
He had the skill to play pretty much any character, combining in one impossibly talented package the charisma of a leading man with the flexibility and skill of a world-class character actor.
Newman was a very good actor, as well, though he didn't have the menace of Brando, the almost-out-of-control explosiveness. That was Brando's unique gift which early became apparent in his film career in "The Wild Ones."
Newman, as I mentioned before, early developed a grinning tendency which was irksome: his persona was one of immense conceit and this was his "wink" to his audience.
I'd have to rate James Dean ahead of Newman. Far ahead, actually.
But we're talking about massive talents here so that's hardly an insult...

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Of course,.... - afilado 11:13:45 03/17/07 (0)
...I won't argue against any of these points. And it's gratifying to read them. My remarks were strictly from a movie lover's point of view. Meant in no way to demean or glorify either Brando or Newman.
My point was simply that both have provided immeasureable pleasure and inspiration over a lifetime for me, regardless of talent levels. Would I trade Hud for On the Waterfront? Or The Sting for Teahouse...? Or Judge Roy Bean....for One-Eyed Jacks? Probably. But, it would be a Sophie's choice to trade one's career for the other.
I've derived every bit as much pleasure over the years from watching Newman as from Brando.
I've been thinking recently how much I owe, how much I appreciate the transcendent influence of artists like Brando, Sydow, Hackman, Caine, Kingsley, Mifuno, Guinness, ad infinitum. They all have their particular talents. And they wanted to expose, to show themselves to us. To please us. Therefore, my remarks about entertainment. Not a trivial thing.
What I'm after here on this forum is to learn more about how to deepen my understanding and pleasure of movies. Just as I relish the personal exposure of the artist on the screen, the same goes for private revelations here.

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