When “Streetcar Named Desire” opened on Broadway for the first time – the world did not know yet what had hit it. Marlon Brando had arrived. Marlon Brando had been living in cold-water walk-up flats, shacking up with ballerinas, and bongo players, and living a completely bohemian life … and it took him a while to realize what had happened as well. What “Streetcar” was going to mean. I just love how he describes his moment of realization.
“You can’t always be a failure. Not and survive. Van Gogh! There’s an example of what can happen when a person never receives any recognition. You stop relating: it puts you outside. But I guess success does that, too. You know, it took me a long time before I was aware that that’s what I was – a big success. I was so absorbed in myself, my own problems, I never looked around, took account. I used to walk in New York, miles and miles, walk in the streets late at night, and never see anything. I was never sure about acting, whether that was what I really wanted to do; I’m still not. Then, when I was in “Streetcar”, and it had been running a couple of months, one night — dimly, dimly — I began to hear this roar.”
I’d guess that the few weeks or months after he realized he’d become a star were the best time of his life. By which I mean not just that he was happier than he’d ever been, but also that he would never be so happy again. Oscar Wilde probably had it right:
In this world there are only two tragedies. One is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.
(I’m betting you know that quote already.)
And yes, that “one night — dimly, dimly — I began to hear this roar” is perfect. Isn’t it exciting to read an actor being eloquent without a script?
Michael – very very good point.
Marlon Brando did not try to become a star. He had contempt for success. But success was thrust upon him.
Like that quote about greatness…”some are born great” etc.
And the “dimly, dimly” – yeah, perfectly said. I haven’t become famous (yet) but from what I have read – those ‘sudden’ successes do have this feeling of being surrounded by an enormous roar.
Just as a side note, it was also the first time the world had really seen the deliciously talented, and radiantly beautiful Jessica Tandy. She created the role of Blanche Duboise.
Yummy.