comment #1

Bilge says ...

Hindsight is 100%, sure, but let's not forget one thing: Many critics were raving about Jessica Tandy's performance in STREETCAR's first theatrical production. And she went on to win a Tony -- the only Tony the play won. Brando's film performance was the far more iconic role. At the very least Atkinson praises both them and the play. I'm sure you could find some critics who panned both Brando and the play.

comment #2

Dixon Steele says ...

I find it equally amazing that there's a Broadway theater named after Atkinson, but none after Williams, one of the greatest, influential (and most successful) playwrights of all times.

And a theater named after the overrated Walter Kerr...but none after Arthur Miller.

Theater owners kissing up to the all-powerful NY Times...

comment #3

Larry says ...

Atkinson ruled for many years, but the Times has always had bad theatre criticism.

By the way, check out the Academy Awards. Everyone won an Oscar for Streetcar except Brando.

comment #4

CitizenFilm24fps says ...

A solid reminder to citics and their readers that we often overlook real talent in favor of the "established" stars of stage and screen. Once we're told who to watch, we immediately over focus our attention on those players whose reputations may be outstanding but whose particular role in any given project needs to be looked at contextually and anew. It's hard to retain clarity and perspective and openmindedness.

comment #5

le corbeau says ...

Who was it, Pauline Kael maybe, who described going to see Brando in his first play, Truckstop Cafe, and being struck by what appeared to be a young man having a kind of epileptic fit on stage? Kael's point was that it took everyone a while to get what Brando was doing, and that it was acting, of a new and different kind.