Marlon Brando’s Best Roles

Marlon Brando isn’t merely an actor; he’s a monumental figure who revolutionized screen acting, leaving an indelible mark on it. He introduced a gritty, authentic emotionalism to his characters that was unprecedented, earning him the title of a trailblazer in method acting within Hollywood. Kicking off his career with a string of groundbreaking performances in the 1950s, he swiftly became a cultural symbol and one of the most captivating talents of his time.

Over the course of his lengthy and sometimes stormy acting career, Marlon Brando crafted an indelible collection of iconic characters that continue to resonate in cinema history. Ranging from explosive anti-heroes to commanding patriarchs, Brando’s knack for immersing himself completely into a role was nothing short of legendary. He broke norms, confounded assumptions, and left behind a timeless legacy that inspires actors globally, cementing his position as one of the greatest performers ever to captivate moviegoers.

‘The Score’ (2001)

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but reflect on the captivating crime thriller that served as Marlon Brando’s swan song on the silver screen. In this film, Brando assumes the role of Max, an accomplished and seasoned dealer in illicit goods, who shares a deep bond with his old friend and fellow craftsman, Nick Wells – a legendary safecracker. It is Max who persuades Nick to come out of retirement for one final, grand caper: the theft of a priceless artifact steeped in history.

In simpler terms, the character portrayed by Brando is a charismatic yet crafty individual who masterminds a intricate heist from his luxurious abode. He introduces a younger, more forceful burglar into the scheme, causing discord and suspicion within the group. This role enabled Brando to co-star with two distinguished actors of different eras in a tale of deception and anticipation.

‘Last Tango in Paris’ (1972)

In this heated, thought-provoking drama, Marlon Brando portrays Paul, a middle-aged American man grappling with the loss of his wife who took her life in Paris. He accidentally stumbles upon an unoccupied rental apartment and embarks on a fervent yet secretive relationship with a young Parisian woman who is about to be married.

1. Without disclosing names or personal information, the two unknown individuals arrange to gather at an apartment.

2. Brando’s portrayal delves deeply into the realms of sorrow, isolation, and despair, offering a starkly honest representation of grief. The character finds solace in the purely physical connection as a means to evade the torment of his past and the hollowness of his current existence.

‘Sayonara’ (1957)

During the Korean War, this heartfelt romance unfolds in Japan, where Marlon Brando portrays Major Lloyd Gruver, an accomplished Air Force pilot from the South. Initially, he harbors prejudice towards interracial relationships between American service personnel and Japanese women, despite being based in their country.

Major Gruver’s perspective transforms when his friend develops feelings for a Japanese woman, and he is drawn to a renowned and enchanting Japanese artist himself. His character evolves, depicting the emotional progression of a man once confined by military regulations and societal biases, to someone who breaks free from tradition for love’s sake.

‘Guys and Dolls’ (1955)

In this timeless musical film, Marlon Brando stepped into the unexpected part of Sky Masterson, a sophisticated and daring gambler with a penchant for high stakes. The narrative revolves around his character, who agrees to a wager that he can convince a pious and disciplined missionary sergeant to join him on a voyage to Havana.

In the movie, Brando displayed another facet of his abilities by singing his own tunes, with “Luck Be a Lady” being one of them. His depiction of Sky Masterson was both captivating and self-assured as he maneuvered through New York’s lively underground gambling environment, unpredictably developing feelings for the woman he wagered on.

‘One-Eyed Jacks’ (1961)

As a passionate movie enthusiast, let me share that among Westerns, this one truly stands out due to it being Marlon Brando’s solitary directorial venture. In this gritty masterpiece, Brando himself embodies Rio, an outlaw who finds himself deceived by his trusted partner and mentor, Dad Longworth, following a daring bank heist in Mexico.

Subsequently, Rio ends up incarcerated in a merciless penitentiary, where his mind is consumed with plotting his vengeance against those who wronged him. This film offers an intriguing exploration of betrayal and the lengths one will go to seek justice – all while showcasing Marlon Brando’s exceptional acting prowess as a director behind the camera.

Years after breaking free from prison, Rio locates his ex-colleague in a town in California where the father figure has gained respect as a sheriff. However, Rio’s scheme for retribution becomes intricate when he finds himself smitten with his former partner’s stepdaughter. This movie portrays a tale of revenge, deceit, and a person wrestling with his past and potential future.

‘Burn!’ (1969)

In this period piece, actor Marlon Brando takes on the role of Sir William Walker, a representative dispatched by the British to a fictional island in the Caribbean that produces sugar under Portuguese control. His objective is to stir up a rebellion among the slaves, aiming to undermine the Portuguese control over the sugar trade and create opportunities for the British.

In the movie, a walker skillfully convinces a native resident to spearhead an uprising that eventually succeeds. Yet, decades after, this same island is ordered for his return by a sugar corporation, this time to quell a rebellion orchestrated by the man he had previously inspired. The film offers a cutting commentary on colonialism and corporate greed, with Brando’s character symbolizing the disillusioned side of external meddling in political affairs.

‘Julius Caesar’ (1953)

This film accurately brings to life William Shakespeare’s renowned play, with Marlon Brando portraying the complex character of Mark Antony, a devoted and fiery friend of the Roman leader Julius Caesar. Brando’s acting, particularly in the aftermath of Caesar’s murder, significantly contributes to the film’s impact.

In simpler terms, Brando’s portrayal is most famously recognized for the powerful funeral speech scene, where his character skillfully stirs the Roman crowd against those who assassinated Caesar. He delivered Shakespeare’s timeless dialogue with a deep emotional resonance that made it relatable and captivating for contemporary viewers, showcasing his exceptional acting abilities.

‘Mutiny on the Bounty’ (1962)

In this grand historical tale, Marlon Brando takes on the role of Fletcher Christian, a bold and captivating first mate onboard the British vessel, HMS Bounty. The narrative unfolds around a mutiny that actually occurred in 1789, masterminded by Christian as a rebellion against the oppressive and unjust captain, Captain Bligh.

In the movie, Brando’s character starts off as an obedient officer but gradually loses faith in Captain Bligh due to his severe discipline towards the crew. This disillusionment eventually leads him to spearhead the mutiny, which plays a significant part in the film’s storyline. The role showcases Brando portraying a complex character who grapples with his duty versus personal convictions, ultimately resulting in an intense and climactic seizure of the ship in the South Pacific.

‘Viva Zapata!’ (1952)

In this historical film, Marlon Brando portrays Emiliano Zapata, the esteemed figurehead of Mexico’s Revolution. The narrative traces Zapata’s transformation from a simple peasant to a formidable military leader advocating for land redistribution and the welfare of his people, challenging a corrupt regime in the process.

In simpler terms, Brando’s acting beautifully showcases the fervor and commitment of the real-life character, Zapata. He depicts Zapata as a leader who resists the role but prioritizes justice for his community over personal influence. The movie delves into the intricacies of leadership, highlighting the personal costs one must bear to advocate for a cause. Brando powerfully portrays the unyielding resolve of the revolutionary character.

‘Superman’ (1978)

In a striking and widely talked-about scene, Marlon Brando graced the legendary superhero film. He portrayed Jor-El, a renowned and respected Kryptonian scientist, as well as Superman’s biological father. Although his on-screen moments are limited, his character plays a crucial part in the movie’s mythos and kickstarts the entire plot.

In the beginning of the movie, Jor-El isn’t able to convince Krypton’s rulers about their world’s upcoming destruction. To safeguard his family line and a piece of his culture, he puts his newborn son Kal-El into a spaceship and dispatches him to Earth. Brando’s commanding and noble demeanor lent the character a feeling of weight and historical significance.

‘The Wild One’ (1953)

In the movie, Marlon Brando embodied an iconic cultural persona as Johnny Strabler, the defiant head of the Motorcycle Club known as the Black Rebels. Following their expulsion from a motorbike rally, this outlaw group makes their entrance into a serene, tranquil town, stirring up chaos, which leaves both townspeople and law enforcers displeased.

Brando’s depiction of the intense, leather-jacketed biker character strongly represented the spirit of discontented young adults in America after World War II. His grumbly speech and defiant stance towards authority instantly made him a symbol of stylish rebellion. His iconic response to being asked what he was rebelling against – “What have you got?” – is now a legendary quote in movie history.

‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ (1951)

In this movie version of Tennessee Williams’ renowned play, Marlon Brando shines as the character that catapulted him to stardom. Portraying Stanley Kowalski, a rough and untamed factory laborer residing in a small New Orleans flat with his wife Stella, their existence is thrown into turmoil by the appearance of Blanche DuBois, Stella’s vulnerable and illusion-prone sister.

Previously, Brando had embodied the character on Broadway, but it was his film portrayal of Stanley that left audiences spellbound. His performance exuded a raw, primal power, leaving many shocked and enthralled. The intensity of his emotional outbursts and physical presence created a character that was both intimidatingly menacing and irresistibly magnetic. This role not only revolutionized screen acting but also established a new benchmark for realism on-screen.

‘On the Waterfront’ (1954)

Marlon Brando portrayed one of his iconic roles as Terry Malloy, a once-acclaimed boxer turned waterfront laborer in Hoboken, New Jersey, who was plagued by his past. Caught in a web of corruption, Terry struggled between his allegiance to the union boss and his emerging moral compass that pulled him towards making ethical choices.

The film’s core revolves around the moral evolution of the character, reaching its peak with a poignant taxi ride monologue where he poignantly expresses, “I could have been someone.” Marlon Brando’s heartfelt and complex portrayal of Terry’s internal struggle garnered him his first Academy Award for Best Actor, establishing one of the most memorable characters in American film history.

‘Apocalypse Now’ (1979)

In this gripping psychological war film, Marlon Brando portrays Colonel Walter E. Kurtz, an enigmatic and elusive figure. The narrative unfolds around a U.S. Army captain dispatched on a covert mission into the heart of Cambodia’s jungle to eliminate Kurtz, a former Special Forces officer who has turned renegade, leading his own militia comprised of local tribespeople.

Despite Brando’s character gracing the screen only toward the end of the movie, his influence permeates the entire narrative. Wrapped in shadows and delivering profound soliloquies, his rendition of Kurtz is captivating yet chilling. He embodies the madness and ethical deterioration brought on by war, making an indelible and unforgettable impact.

‘The Godfather’ (1972)

Marlon Brando delivered a remarkable, impactful portrayal as Don Vito Corleone, the aging leader of the formidable Corleone criminal organization. The movie follows the family’s efforts to preserve their dominance and the transition of that authority from Don Vito to his initially unwilling younger son, Michael. Brando became one with the character, leaving an indelible mark on cinematic history.

For the audition, he became well-known for shoving cotton into his cheeks and crafting the character’s distinct, gravelly voice along with purposeful mannerisms. His performance skillfully combined elements of warmth and danger, depicting a caring family man who was also a merciless mob boss. This role rejuvenated his acting career and granted him a second Academy Award for Best Actor.

2025-08-30 12:16