Saturday 4 June 2011

Best Actor 1951: Results

5. Fredric March in Death of a Salesman- March portrays Wily Loman as completely insane, this one performance I really do not what to make of, but I certainly can say that it is not good.
4. Humphrey Bogart in The African Queen- Bogart's performance is largely functional for me. He sometimes goes above functionality and sometimes goes below it.
3. Arthur Kennedy in Bright Victory- Kennedy gives a very good performance as a blinded soldier. He is particularly strong when coming to grips with his situation, the performance becomes less interesting as the film goes on, but overall it is a strong performance.
2. Marlon Brando in A Streetcar Named Desire- Marlon Brando's performance is most certianly a great performance doing wonders with in some ways a simple character. Brando gives virile, as well as brutal performance, that somehow always is a pleasure to watch.
1. Montgomery Clift in A Place in the Sun- This is one big upset I suppose, even an upset to myself I think. Both Clift and Brando are in top form, and each give unforgettable performances. Clift's performance has the even greater emotional pull for me, and it is the performance I believe I will remember most from this year. This is not a slight at all to Brando, their performances are both brilliant, I just loved Clift's performance even more.
Deserving Performances:
Alastair Sim in Scrooge
Robert Walker in Strangers on a Train

6 comments:

MovieNut14 said...

This is a surprise. I like Clift's work, but I was hoping Brando would be victorious.

Anonymous said...

Yes! Thank you very much for this decision and especially for putting my personal choice for this year in the deserving performances (Robert Walker in Strangers on a Train). Great! What year's next? Could you do 1990, 1999, 1953, 1966 or especially 1975?

joe burns said...

BIG surprise! Brando is largely favored everywhere!



1995 should be next!

dinasztie said...

I'm not that shocked. :) I'm really interested in Clift.

Anonymous said...

Clift has every right to be in the same league as Brando this year. I love A Place In The Sun.

Fritz said...

I have no problem with Clift winning since he is wonderful!