Not Exactly My "Brando" Documentary, But Good

Turner Classic Movies' profile of Marlon Brando is entertaining if not enlightening. To be sure, you get a sense of what helped shape this intriguing, iconic, and unique (to say the least) personality, but the film at times seems afraid to dig too deep and often changes direction. It sets out with an apparent intention to be a character study, but quickly turns into a somewhat superficial career retrospective.

Not that such a project shouldn't be a celebration. We're talking about someone who is arguably one of the greatest actors ever. The anecdotes shared by his friends and colleagues are great; touching, funny, and in some cases brutally honest. But too often the conversation drifts back to something close to sycophancy - one of the drawbacks of relying solely on interviews to provide the narration - which grows a little tired after two-and-a-half plus hours.

Despite all of this the film is filled with engaging moments throughout. Brando's rather extensive knowledge about the craft of film making (not just acting) is touched upon, as is his well-known reputation for being less than cooperative on-set. In addition to the public persona the film also explores the political side of Brando's fame. Learning about the breadth of Brando's activism, especially regarding civil rights, is eye opening. His support of American Indians is well known (and famously recorded in the 1973 Academy Awards ceremony), but it is interesting to learn he came "this close" to joining the Black Panthers in the late 60s. The insight gained regarding his relationship with his parents is equally fascinating, but again, every time the film gains steam with such topics it quickly changes gears.

For anyone interested in acting or film or even just pop-culture, this biography is required viewing, just make sure to watch it in parts. TCM is rebroadcasting the film in its entirety at 5:15pm on 5/12 and 3:15am on 5/29. The official website can be found here.