On M List of Movie Reviews
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The Men (1950)
Rate:
7
Viewed:
2/06, 3/24
2/06:
Marlon Brando makes his screen debut in The Men directed by Fred Zinnemann.
It's an educational picture about paraplegics who suffered from spinal cord injuries caused by the war (it doesn't
make a difference which one it is). Hence, it has done a fine job of exploring the psychological trauma of what it's like
to be paralyzed and the stigmata these men will carry for the rest of their lives.
It's almost impossible to predict the trajectory of Marlon Brando's greatness in what's a mediocre picture. Had the
director given him more screen time to develop his character, The Men might have turned out better.
All in all, you shouldn't expect anything out of the ordinary from Marlon Brando in The Men.
3/24:
Raising my rating from '4' to '7', The Men is Marlon Brando's first film.
His performance is above average but is nothing special. It's impossible to see any trace of greatness in him if his acting potential should
be judged from this piece of work alone. That's why he first made his mark in the theater world which would be
fully realized for his next film: A Streetcar Named Desire.
Marlon Brando did what future Method actors would do: research and then become the character. So, he spent a month at a
V.A. hospital without ever moving his legs and learned everything the paralyzed vets did. During one night, he hung out with
them at a bar, and there was a "Jesus Freak" lady who urged everybody to believe in the power of prayer. Brando got tired of it that he decided to play a
trick on her by getting up but falling down as if he was too weak while she urged him on. All of a sudden, he jumped up,
danced a jig, and left the place while she stood there in shock.
Anyway, the movie is nice and all, and I have no reason to doubt the accuracy. The subject matter is interesting, but it's hard
not to think of two future outstanding films: Coming Home and
Born on the Fourth of July. What
The Men is missing the most is powerful performances. Thus, it's turned into a straightforward semi-documentary just to say
this is how they can do it.
By the way, how people stared at Brando in wheelchair at the restaurant is strange because I don't see what the big deal is. Hence,
they need to grow up. Also, Arthur Jurado, who plays the muscular Angel, was actually paralyzed, but it didn't happen
during fighting. He was involved in a plane crash returning to the United States which is too bad. He died thirteen years later
at the age of 39.
All in all, the only reason The Men sees the light of day is Marlon Brando making his screen debut.