Film Analysis: A Streetcar Named Desire

The 1951 film, A Streetcar Named Desire, is the adaptation of Tennessee William’s famous play of the same name. The film feels genuine when compared with the play and this is because Williams and Elia Kazan also brought the stage production to life. The film is almost the play word for word. I found that for most of the film I could follow along with the script. I enjoyed the fact that the film did not deviate from the play and only added a few minor scenes, such as the confrontation between Stanley and Mitch, Blanche riding the streetcar and the bowling alley. An element that aided Williams and Kazan in achieving this feat was their choice of lighting. Throughout the play, we know that Blanche does not like to be seen in full light because

Unlike a faithful film, it is difficult to film from various angles. Directors are often limited to filming the play directly facing the stage with the possibility of a few minor angle changes. They must be cautious of where the camera is positioned, because they risk filming the backstage area. The audience knows that they are watching a filmed play, and do not need to be reminded of it. A disadvantage filmed plays also have is the fact that the actors always need to be facing the audience and almost never have their back to it. Theatrical actors are trained to face the audience to tell their story, and to get their message to the back of the room. This can become facial expressions that lead to apparent overacting for a film. On the subject of movement, acting on a stage can be more constricting than acting for a film. On a film set, the camera can follow the actor anywhere. On a stage, the camera must once again be weary of those sightlines. Zoot Suit, however, contradicts this, because the filmmakers chose to film the audience. This, in my opinion, took away from that film. It reminded the audience that this was a filmed play. The audience became immersed in that storyline, but then is shown the audience and is reminded that everything is “make-believe.” When it comes to films, the audience wants to be captivated by the story non-stop. The stage is a special place, and filming it takes away from that preciousness that is live