As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of cinema, I must say that Marlon Brando‘s performances are nothing short of extraordinary. In “The Wild One,” he created an iconic character that echoed through the ’50s and beyond. His portrayal of Johnny was so relatable and authentic that it felt like a reflection of his own spirit.
“The Godfather” is a well-known choice when asked to identify a film featuring Marlon Brando as a gangster, but it’s not his only one in this genre. While some of Brando’s other gangster movies may be less familiar to audiences in 2024, they are equally captivating. Occasionally, Brando delved into stories about criminal underworlds, and the outcomes were remarkable. It appears that he found a certain affinity for these roles because he could connect with the characters on some level.
In much the same way as notorious tough guys, Marlon Brando was known for his rebellious image. From cracking a photographer’s jaw or insisting on certain terms before agreeing to work, he was often the talk of the town and couldn’t have cared less.
In terms of Marlon Brando’s gangster movies, “The Godfather” stands out as the top choice. The other films in this genre that he starred in are also highly regarded and follow closely behind. Given Brando’s impeccable performance record in this genre, there isn’t much to fault. For those who prioritize quality above all else when creating their viewing list, I would recommend arranging them in the following order:
6 The Freshman (1990)
Although not explicitly symbolic, “The Freshman” portrays a prevalent eagerness for quick wealth that mirrors modern society’s mindset. When the college student, Clark, encounters mob boss Carmine Sabatini (Marlon Brando), he is elated, especially upon learning that this cool criminal figure serves as the inspiration for Vito Corleone from “The Godfather.” He revels in his proximity to the man but soon discovers that his initial task is transporting a Komodo dragon from JFK to a specific location. This realization comes before he can fully consider the prudence of this job, and he unwittingly gets ensnared in New York’s criminal underworld.
Numerous Nods to the Godfather
This ruggedly beautiful tale skillfully blends satirical aspects with the turbulence of criminal activities is portrayed. Bruno Kirby, Penelope Anne Miller, and Matthew Broderick, in their roles as Clark, deliver touching performances under the astute guidance of Andre Bergman, who later made a name for himself in comedy. Nevertheless, it’s Brando who leaves a lasting impression, and his character possesses an unusual quality that sets him apart from other gangsters.
Carmine bears an uncanny resemblance to Vito from The Godfather, but his endeavors are intricately layered. He oversees a prestigious dining establishment known as the Fabulous Gourmet Club, where for a hefty sum of one million dollars, exotic animals are presented as the star dish. This unexpected twist solidifies his reputation as one of cinema’s most masterful tricksters. Don’t forget to catch Brando in his comically brilliant performance.
5 The Chase (1966)
In “The Chase,” Marlon Brando plays Sheriff Calder, a law enforcer whose duties are more challenging than those of the typical small-town chief. In this story, he learns that Bubber Reeves, played by Robert Redford, has recently broken out of prison and is heading towards town. The sheriff aims to apprehend Reeves peacefully, but the townsfolk demand immediate retribution. Furthermore, businessman Val Rogers (E.G. Marshall) wants Reeves taken into custody urgently because he’s worried that the criminal may harm his son, Jake, who is involved with Reeves’ wife, Jane Fonda’s character.
Brando on the Good Side of the Law
As a cinephile, I can confidently say that having powerhouses like Marlon Brando, Robert Redford, and Jane Fonda sharing the screen in The Chase is nothing short of a game-changer. Under the masterful hand of director Arthur Penn, this film served as an impressive precursor to his iconic work, Bonnie & Clyde, released just a year after. It’s like having an extra life in a video game – you know the movie is destined for greatness from the start.
Brando is fascinating, especially because his character is more human. The town’s tycoon controls Sheriff Calder, and we are reminded that he has no choice. Any defiance might result in job loss. He also isn’t the stereotypical kill-em-all lawman of the ‘60s either. At one point, he gets brutally beaten up by one of the gangsters, leaving him as an ICU candidate, though he miraculously walks again.
Furthermore, the storyline is quite elaborate. It bears some resemblance to “High Noon,” yet Penn strives to establish a unique narrative. Viewers are sure to be captivated by the movie’s treatment of complex themes such as moral ambiguity, justice, and small-town deceit.
4 The Night of the Following Day (1969)
The next day’s night presents an intriguing narrative about Bud (Marlon Brando), who serves as a chauffeur for a trio of criminals intending to kidnap a kahuna’s daughter, hoping her father will pay millions in ransom. As the operation progresses, Bud begins to question his actions. Matters worsen when one of the crooks decides to double-cross the others for the entire loot. However, Bud remains vigilant and thwarts every attempt at treachery.
No Kubrick… No Problem
According to “The Snatchers by Lionel White,” the role of directing “The Night of the Following Day” was initially given to Stanley Kubrick, but he had to abandon it because of stringent rules prohibiting the portrayal of kidnapping on screen during the ’60s. Fortunately, Hubert Cornfield took over and did an excellent job. This film falls into the crime-gone-wrong genre, demonstrating how quickly things can unravel when greed takes hold.
Brando’s character, Bud, underscores the significance of being open-minded before it’s too late. His desperate attempts to undermine his peers provide an engaging watch, while the characters’ wardrobe selections might inspire a few shopping ideas if you aspire to emulate a movie star. Filmed in Le Touquet, the film boasts some of the most captivating cinematography among Brando’s works.
3 The Score (2001)
At some point, whether it’s the dread of prison or a bullet, gangsters often aim for legitimacy. This is exactly what Nick Wells (played by Robert De Niro) endeavors to do in “The Score“. After spending years acquiring what wasn’t his, he chooses to retire and manage his Montreal jazz club, only to find himself being drawn back in when he thought he had left for good. His old companion, Max (portrayed by Brando), manages to convince him to rejoin the game for one more job, with unexpected outcomes.
Star-Studded and Twist-Packed
In his final performance, Marlon Brando exhibited quintessential Brando behavior, much to the delight of fans. On set, he reportedly had several disagreements with director Frank Oz, affectionately (or not so affectionately) dubbing him “Miss Piggy,” a character Oz portrayed from 1976 to 2001. Sharing the screen with Robert De Niro was a treat, as both actors are iconic figures in the gangster genre. Despite the behind-the-scenes tension, Frank Oz’s direction proved commendable.
This gripping, edgy story about a gangster is built on a straightforward, recognizable foundation, yet it fearlessly tackles sorrow and portrays the raw truth of life in the criminal underworld. Every actor delivers an impressive performance, and viewers will find the unexpected twist ending all the more captivating.
2 The Wild One (1953)
As fascinating as outlaw biker movies are, they never get made as often as fans would like. Thankfully, the few existing ones are quite the gem. Take The Wild One where Johnny (Marlon Brando) and his gang, The Black Rebels Motorcycle Club (BRMC), ride into Carbonville, California, during a motorcycle race only to start causing trouble. Things get more heated when Chino (Lee Larvin), a rival gang leader, arrives, and Johnny falls for the sheriff’s daughter.
It Left a Huge Cultural Impact
Decades following its initial release, “The Wild One” continues to captivate audiences with its intricate layers and enchanting storyline. As expected, Brando delivers a stunning performance. So exceptional is his acting in this role that Johnny has been immortalized as a cultural symbol of the ’50s. In his memoir, “Songs My Mother Taught Me,” Brando shares fond memories of embodying this character, stating it was one of the highlights of his career.
Among all roles I’ve taken on in films and theater, Johnny resonated with me the most. As a result, I portrayed him as more tender-hearted and compassionate than the original script suggested. One line that stands out is where he growls, “Nobody tells me what to do.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates how I’ve felt throughout my life.
Mary Murpher’s character is not only captivating but also transforms Johnny into a more relatable figure as he strives to impress her. The costume design team deserves recognition for their exceptional work, particularly the leather Perfecto-style motorcycle jacket, angled cap, and hairstyle that Johnny sports. Interestingly enough, these elements sparked a widespread trend of sideburns during that period. To put it simply, “Sons of Anarchy” for its time embodies such charm and originality.
1 The Godfather (1972)
The storyline of “The Godfather” revolves around a prominent New York Italian-American crime family headed by Don Vito Corleone, as portrayed in Mario Puzo’s popular novel. Initially, Michael, Don Corleone’s youngest son (played by Al Pacino), swears off involvement with the Mafia. However, when an assassination attempt is made on his father, Michael reconsiders and decides to take revenge. Surprisingly, he eventually ascends to lead the organization, contrary to initial expectations.
The Greatest Gangster Movie of All Time
Speaking of The Godfather, there’s always more to discuss about it. Known as one of Paramount’s grandest, widescreen masterpieces, this extensive production was a challenge for everyone involved in its creation. Yet, the rewards were no less than magnificent. Marlon Brando’s Oscar-winning portrayal and the impressive box office success justified the perseverance amidst the turmoil.
In a grand yet tender manner, The Godfather showcases the art of filmmaking at its peak, boasting indelible mumbled lines from Brando, and an assassination scene that is both chilling and strikingly real. Directed with unwavering dedication and superb taste by Francis Ford Coppola, it offers a captivating exploration of rational gangsters grappling with their irrational counterparts.
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2024-10-14 00:05