Most people who have seen it call
The Wild One a seminal movie in the portrayal of rebellion and disillusionment. I couldn't agree more. Made in 1953, when America was still in the throes of victory after World War II, and entering one of the country's most prosperous periods, there seemed to little to rebel against. The Black Rebels Motorcycle Club decided to rebel against whatever they could. The movie is presented as a cautionary tale against the pitfalls of both being in a gang, and being too soft in terms of law enforcement moving them along. It was weird watching both sides of the law struggling with their own problems in this, but it ultimately paid off. A simple story, simply told, very well filmed, and superbly acted. I was worried that the subject matter would be dated, and, with only a few exceptions (specifically the dialogue) it wasn't. I thought
The Wild One was going to be some deep, overbearing look into the soul of a real American rebel. To an extent, I was correct, but it was in no way overbearing.
Marlon Brando is at his unpredictable best in this, showing the audience a man who has no idea who he is or what he wants, and has no idea if he even wants to know. I would put this performance in his top three, behind Terry Malloy and Vito Corleone. I have to also point out the wonderful performance of a young Lee Marvin as Chino, the leader of a rival gang, The Beatles (long rumored to be the unofficial origin of the band's name!). He and Brando play off each other so well.
A blast from the past,
The Wild One is a good movie with a great cast. Brando's portrayal of the willing underdog is amazing, and, although some parts are severely dated, fun to watch. I will even attribute the birth of the "Scat Rap" to the bar scene. Give it a shot, you won't be disappointed. 8.5/10.
See you tomorrow, and GO WATCH A MOVIE!!
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