Olivia K
Desire, Lies, and Longing: A Riveting Revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, directed by Richard Brooks, is a film adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play. The 1958 movie is available on various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime and HBO Max, and runs for 108 minutes. The story centers on the Pollitt family, gathered at their Southern plantation to celebrate Big Daddy’s birthday. Among the celebration, secrets and lies unravel as Brick, a disappointed previous athlete, and his wife Maggie navigate their struggling marriage, Big Daddy terminal illness, and the family’s struggle for his inheritance.
The performances in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof are strongly captivating. Elizabeth Taylor brings Maggie “The Cat” to life with a perfect mix of determination and raw vulnerability. She seamlessly changes between Maggie’s drive to reconnect with her husband and the deep yearning for intimacy, making the character both compelling and relatable. Taylor’s expressive eyes and delivery make every line of dialogue very emotional. Paul Newman shines as Brick, delivering a performance that is quiet but full of depth. His movements, seeming restrained, and subtle expressions express Brick’s struggle with grief and inner conflict. The chemistry between Newman and Taylor is undeniable, even as their characters clash, filling every scene with tension. Burl Ives, as Big Daddy, stands out with his powerful voice and commanding presence, but it’s the softer, more vulnerable moments that truly show the layers of his character. The entire cast brings a sense of authenticity that makes the story feel real and emotionally gripping.
Richard Brooks’ direction expresses the intimacy and intensity of Williams’ play to the screen. Brooks uses tight framing and prolonged close-ups to heighten the emotional investment, drawing viewers into the characters’ own turmoil. However, some changes to the original text, specifically the softening of Brick’s implied relationship with his late friend Skipper weaken the play’s themes of a held back desire and insincerity. While this was likely made to satisfy 1950s censorship standards, it also diminishes the narrative’s critique of Southern conservatism. One directorial highlight is the storm scene, where Brooks uses sound and lighting to convey the characters’ inner chaos. The interchange of thunder, flickering lights, and the escalating dialogue captures the truth that unravels, showing Brooks’ skill in combining theatricality with cinematic techniques.
The production design and cinematography are visually stunning. Starting with the Southern mansion, with its impressive but uncomfortable interiors, it serves as a metaphor for the Pollitt family’s facade. Art director William A. Horning and set decorator Henry Grace create a space that feels both luxurious and uncomfortable, reflecting the characters’ overall entrapment. The house, grand in its structure, mirrors the opulence and decay of the Southern aristocracy, with its towering walls and expansive rooms feeling simultaneously suffocating and isolating. The use of light and shadow throughout the mansion creates an atmosphere of tension and emotional depth, amplifying the characters’ internal struggles.The costume design by Helen Rose enhances the character development greatly. Especially with Maggie’s white slip, which is slinky and delicate, this accentuates her sensuality and vulnerability, drawing attention to her desire for love and validation. In contrast, Brick’s casual, unkempt attire symbolizes his emotional disarray, showing his detachment and self-destructive tendencies. The worn, unpolished textures of his clothing reflect his inner turmoil and the decay of his personal life.The use of color, particularly in Big Daddy’s luxurious surroundings, plays a pivotal role in conveying the themes of wealth and decay. Rich golds and deep greens highlight his immense wealth and status, but also hint at the moral rot beneath the surface, as his personal life is filled with secrets and bitterness. The musical choices contribute to the film’s atmosphere, intensifying key moments of silence and drama, and making the emotional beats all the more impactful. For me, it remains a memorable and integral part of the overall experience.
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is a compelling adaptation from Tennessee Williams’ play, holding much of its similar spirit to relate to. The performances are beautiful and admirable, particularly those of Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman, whose portrayals resonate even after the credits roll. The direction and design work together seamlessly to immerse the audience in the Pollitt family’s tension-filled world. From the Southern estate to the subtle details in costume and set design, every element enhances the story’s atmosphere. While some changes from the original play might disappoint fans, they don’t take away from the production’s overall impact. As a viewer, I found myself fascinated by the characters’ struggles, both spoken and unspoken, and really impressed by the film’s ability to navigate complex themes with grace and intensity. This is a must-watch for fans of classic cinema, as well as for anyone who appreciates stories that delve deep into relationships and the human condition. My verdict? A huge thumbs-up for its unforgettable performances, thoughtful design, and emotional depth, even with its minor flaws. It’s a timeless piece of cinema that continues to resonate today.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
12/05/24
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julie b
First thought I had- the portrayals of brick, maggie, and big daddy are pure craftsmanship!!! Second thought I had - what kind of a name is Gooper????
With a moody jazzy score, every scene is brimming with tension, right on the edge of the boiling point but never quite reaching it (until it does). This was emotional, tense, but still with truly funny moments and endlessly quotable.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
09/23/24
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Audience Member
the movie builds and builds with the dialogue and excellent performances. nothing like it today
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
06/02/24
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mg
Paul Newman's great performance
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/16/23
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Diane B
Two points for Liz Taylor at her peak and Two points for Paul Newman at his peak. And another point for the story because I hear it's a classic. Great film
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
08/13/22
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Audience Member
Either Elizabeth Taylor or Grace Kelly was the most beautiful woman to EVER walk this Earth, I couldn't argue with either choice. Liz positively smolders in this film, and she's the only reason to watch it. I'm told it's even more remarkable that she pulled this performance off since her husband had recently died in a plane crash. Paul Newman may or may NOT have been great in this but his character is such a loathsome individual it's hard to tell. Burl Ives is surprisingly good, although since he was best known as a singer, he may have been chosen for his outsized girth rather than his acting chops; Slim Pickins wasn't going to portray Big Daddy! Everyone else in the supporting cast is just annoying. Ten minutes into the movie I'm watching Liz undress in front of a disinterested husband and I'm screaming: "This guy is gay!" Word is that that aspect of the Tennessee Williams play was downplayed here due to the still active Hollywood Production Code, which cuts the heart out of this screenplay.
Rated 1.5/5 Stars •
Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars
01/12/23
Full Review
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