Elia Kazan’s powerful and controversial 1954 film On the Waterfront directly deals with the pervasive corruption within longshoremen’s labor unions in Hoboken, New Jersey. It explores the systematic exploitation, violence, and intimidation tactics employed by union bosses to control the docks and stifle dissent, ultimately posing a moral question about individual responsibility in the face of institutional evil.
The Waterfront and the Weight of Silence
On the Waterfront is more than just a crime drama; it’s a stark portrayal of a community held hostage by fear. Marlon Brando’s performance as Terry Malloy, a washed-up boxer turned longshoreman, is legendary. He becomes embroiled in the consequences of the waterfront’s corrupt system when he unwittingly lures a fellow worker, Joey Doyle, to his death at the hands of Johnny Friendly’s goons. Doyle was about to testify against the union’s illegal practices, practices that include kickbacks, rigged elections, and even murder.
Kazan’s direction is uncompromising. He paints a vivid picture of the bleak working conditions and the pervasive atmosphere of fear that silences the longshoremen. The film’s visual style, the gritty realism, and the powerful performances all contribute to its enduring impact. It doesn’t just show corruption; it makes the viewer viscerally feel the weight of it.
Beyond the explicit depiction of criminal activities, the film explores the moral complexities of standing up against injustice. Terry’s journey from complicity to active resistance is the film’s central narrative arc. He grapples with the code of silence that governs the waterfront, a code enforced through violence and intimidation. He must choose between loyalty to his brother, Charley (Rod Steiger), a corrupt union lawyer, and the nagging voice of his conscience, encouraged by Father Barry (Karl Malden), a priest who ministers to the longshoremen.
The film’s narrative culminates in Terry’s courageous testimony before the crime commission, breaking the code of silence and striking a blow against Johnny Friendly’s reign of terror. This act of defiance, however, comes at a great personal cost, leaving him ostracized by his peers and targeted by the corrupt union. The final scene, where Terry is beaten but refuses to back down, symbolizes the slow, difficult, but ultimately achievable process of reclaiming dignity and justice in a corrupt environment.
Understanding the Film’s Context and Legacy
On the Waterfront was released during the height of the McCarthy era, a period of intense anti-communist sentiment in the United States. This historical context significantly shapes the film’s reception and interpretation. Kazan himself had testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), naming names of former communist colleagues. This choice, which was deeply controversial, led to accusations that On the Waterfront was a justification for his actions, a metaphorical defense of “ratting” on others.
However, the film’s themes resonate beyond its historical context. The struggles depicted are universally relevant: the fight against corruption, the courage to speak truth to power, and the moral compromises that individuals face in the face of systemic injustice. The film’s exploration of these issues continues to spark debate and discussion, solidifying its place as a cinematic masterpiece and a powerful social commentary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3 What specific crimes are depicted in On the Waterfront?
The film depicts a range of criminal activities perpetrated by the corrupt longshoremen’s union, including:
- Murder: The union uses violence to silence dissent and eliminate threats.
- Extortion: Longshoremen are forced to pay kickbacks to the union bosses in order to get work.
- Intimidation and Coercion: Union members are threatened and pressured into compliance through fear of physical violence and economic hardship.
- Rigged Elections: The union leadership maintains its power through fraudulent elections, ensuring that no legitimate opposition can emerge.
- Illegal Bookmaking: Johnny Friendly operates a bookmaking racket on the waterfront, further enriching himself and his cronies.
H3 Who is Johnny Friendly and what is his role?
Johnny Friendly, played by Lee J. Cobb, is the ruthless and powerful boss of the longshoremen’s union. He is the embodiment of corruption, using violence and intimidation to control the docks and exploit the workers for his own personal gain. He is the primary antagonist of the film.
H3 What motivates Terry Malloy to testify against the union?
Initially, Terry is motivated by guilt over his role in Joey Doyle’s death. He gradually develops a sense of moral outrage at the injustice and exploitation he witnesses. Father Barry’s influence, along with his growing affection for Edie Doyle (Eva Marie Saint), Joey’s sister, strengthens his resolve to do the right thing. He ultimately decides that his conscience and dignity are more important than his loyalty to the corrupt union.
H3 How does Father Barry influence the longshoremen?
Father Barry serves as the moral compass of the film. He actively challenges the corrupt union and ministers to the longshoremen, urging them to break the code of silence and stand up for their rights. He provides them with spiritual guidance and support, giving them the courage to resist the intimidation tactics of the union bosses. His famous “pigeon” speech powerfully illustrates the way the union exploits and mistreats the workers.
H3 What is the significance of the “code of silence” in the film?
The “code of silence,” often referred to as “D & D (Deaf and Dumb),” is a central theme in On the Waterfront. It represents the fear and intimidation that keeps the longshoremen from speaking out against the corrupt union. This code is enforced through violence and threats, creating a culture of silence that allows the union bosses to operate with impunity. Breaking this code is seen as a betrayal, punishable by ostracism and even death.
H3 How did Elia Kazan’s own testimony before HUAC affect the reception of On the Waterfront?
Kazan’s testimony before HUAC, in which he named former communist colleagues, was highly controversial. Many critics and viewers interpreted On the Waterfront as a justification for his actions, arguing that it equated Terry Malloy’s testimony against the corrupt union with Kazan’s “ratting” on others. This controversy overshadowed the film’s other merits and continues to be a subject of debate.
H3 Is On the Waterfront based on a true story?
Yes, On the Waterfront is loosely based on a series of articles written by Malcolm Johnson for the New York Sun in 1948, which won a Pulitzer Prize. These articles documented the widespread corruption and racketeering within the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) in New York City.
H3 What are some of the major awards won by On the Waterfront?
On the Waterfront won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Elia Kazan), Best Actor (Marlon Brando), and Best Supporting Actress (Eva Marie Saint). It also received numerous other awards and accolades, solidifying its status as a classic of American cinema.
H3 What is the legacy of On the Waterfront in film history?
On the Waterfront is considered one of the greatest American films ever made. It is praised for its realistic portrayal of labor corruption, its powerful performances, and its compelling narrative. It has had a lasting influence on filmmaking, particularly in the areas of social realism and method acting.
H3 How does the film portray the economic struggles of the longshoremen?
The film effectively portrays the economic desperation of the longshoremen, highlighting their dependence on the union for work and their vulnerability to exploitation. The “shape-up,” where men compete for limited job opportunities, exemplifies the precariousness of their employment. This economic vulnerability makes them hesitant to challenge the union, as they fear losing their livelihoods.
H3 What symbolic elements are used in the film to represent corruption and injustice?
Several symbolic elements are used in the film, including:
- Pigeons: Father Barry’s “pigeon” speech symbolizes how the union exploits and mistreats the workers, using them and then discarding them.
- Hooks: The hooks used by the longshoremen to load cargo represent the dehumanizing nature of their work and the way they are treated like commodities.
- The Waterfront Itself: The grimy and dilapidated waterfront serves as a visual metaphor for the corruption and decay that permeate the community.
H3 Beyond union corruption, what other themes does On the Waterfront explore?
While focusing on union corruption, On the Waterfront also explores themes such as:
- Individual Responsibility: The film questions the individual’s role in combating systemic injustice.
- Moral Courage: It celebrates the courage required to stand up against powerful forces, even in the face of personal risk.
- Redemption: Terry Malloy’s journey is one of redemption, as he attempts to atone for his past mistakes and find his moral compass.
- The Power of Silence: The film explores how silence can be both a tool of oppression and a potential source of resistance.