“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” is a classic drama film about a Southern family’s troubled relationships. Brick and Maggie are like two cats fighting on a hot tin roof, with their marriage in turmoil and secrets hidden beneath the surface. The dying patriarch Big Daddy is the elephant in the room that no one wants to confront, leading to explosive confrontations and long-buried emotions boiling over. In a world where appearances are everything, the characters struggle to find their true identities and connect with one another before it’s too late.
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Review
The scorching heat of Mississippi summer sets the tone for the electrifying drama of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” The movie adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ play boasts an all-star cast, including Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor, and Burl Ives. Directed by Richard Brooks, the movie premiered on August 20, 1958.
The wall of heat and tension that envelops the movie’s characters starts with Brick (Newman), a former football player who numbs his pain with alcohol. He is called home to celebrate his father’s birthday but is emotionally distant from everyone around him, including his wife Maggie (Taylor). Maggie tries to seduce him to gain control of her share of the family’s wealth, but Brick rebuffs her advances.
As the family gathers in the stifling Southern mansion, tensions escalate as secrets are revealed. The patriarch Big Daddy (Ives) has been diagnosed with cancer but is unaware of his terminal condition. His other son Gooper (Jack Carson) and his wife Mae (Madeleine Sherwood) scheme to secure their inheritance by having children to carry on the family name.
In contrast to Gooper and Mae’s chaotic household, Maggie tries desperately to win over Brick’s affection and secure her own place in the family’s fortune. Elizabeth Taylor brings a captivating performance as Maggie – sultry but at times vulnerable and lonely. Her memorable line “I feel all alone in this big ole house” resonates throughout the film.
Burl Ives is a standout as Big Daddy – commanding yet tender towards Brick despite their strained relationship. His iconic scene where he confronts Brick about his alcoholism remains one of the most memorable moments in cinema history.
Richard Brooks adapts Williams’ play masterfully for screen – retaining its dramatic intensity while making necessary changes for cinematic storytelling. One notable change was downplaying Brick and Skipper’s relationship due to censorship laws at the time.
Visually stunning, the film captures the decaying grandeur of the Pollitt family’s estate – from the faded wallpaper to the peeling paint. The use of vibrant colors contrasts with the characters’ inner turmoil, creating a disorienting effect on the viewer.
“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. Though it did not win any awards, it remains a classic of American cinema.
Controversy surrounded the movie’s production when it was rumored that Taylor had a double for her nude scene. However, Taylor vehemently denied these claims and said she wore flesh-colored underwear. The controversy only added fuel to Taylor’s complex public persona as a seductive Hollywood icon.
In addition to its actors’ performances, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” is also notable for its score by Charles Wolcott. The music reflects both Southern culture and bluesy jazz influences.
Some critics argue that Brooks’ direction failed to capture the play’s nuances in its dialogue – particularly in Brick’s character. Despite this criticism, Newman delivers an iconic portrayal of the repressed and conflicted Brick.
“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” has endured as a classic due in part to its themes of family dysfunction and human desire. Its exploration of society’s expectations versus individual identity speaks to audiences today just as it did when it was released over sixty years ago.
In conclusion, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” is an electrifying drama that showcases some of Hollywood’s finest talents. It remains an American classic due to its all-star cast, iconic performances, stunning visuals, and timeless themes. The film proves that even after sixty years since its release; it is still worth revisiting time and time again – much like re-reading Tennessee Williams’ seminal play upon which it is based.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 108
- Release : 1958-08-29
- Genre : Drama
- Cast : Elizabeth Taylor as Maggie, Paul Newman as Brick, Burl Ives as Harvey ‘Big Daddy’ Pollitt, Judith Anderson as Big Momma, Jack Carson as Gooper
- Crew : Van Allen James as Sound Designer, Richard Brooks as Screenplay, Richard Brooks as Director, Lawrence Weingarten as Producer, Tennessee Williams as Theatre Play
- Popularity 14.72
- Budget : $3,000,000
- Revenue : $17,570,324
- Company : Avon Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Summary : An alcoholic ex-football player drinks his days away, having failed to come to terms with his sexuality and his real feelings for his football buddy who died after an ambiguous accident. His wife is crucified by her desperation to make him desire her: but he resists the affections of his wife. His reunion with his father—who is dying of cancer—jogs a host of memories and revelations for both father and son.
- Tagline : Just one pillow on her bed… and just one desire in her heart.
