★ Roundup: Photos and Reviews of A Streetcar Named Desire

[littleyuzu]

A lot of critics and theatre goers in the blogosphere have been giving their reviews of Donmar's A Streetcar Named Desire. I thought it'd be beneficial to the community to gather them in one post. Underneath the cut are snippets from several reviews that have recently popped up on the Web, links to the full reviews, and various production photos

Comments

[moxielegal]

I like these ones
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1203315/BAZ-BAMIGBOYE-A-study-Scarlett.html
http://www.cityam.com/lifestyle/reviews/3kwpgisqd6.html
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=aLd_XUj7dqK4

I wish people would stop comparing Elliot to Brando!

[littleyuzu]

Thanks for those links. :) I'd read all three of those as well, but I didn't include them in the post because the articles weren't exclusive to the play (as they talked about other things unrelated to Streetcar). I just posted the articles that are specifically about the play.

That's one of the difficult things about stepping into a role that was made legendary by an actor like Marlon Brando. Just as critics keep comparing Elliot's Mr. Darcy to that of Colin Firth's, so they will with his portrayal of Stanley. Many actors would probably shy away from such roles because of the inevitable comparisons, but Elliot is always one to rise to the challenge.

[moxielegal]

It's so true, but it is incredibly irritating! I do like to take a performance on it's own merits and what that actor/actress brings to the role

[littleyuzu]

Yes, I do believe you're in the minority when it comes to CF vs. MM as Mr. Darcy. ;) I personally have no preference for one over the other, as I liked each of their portrayals. And while, as you said, there are faults the 2005 P&P, I do agree that the Bennet family seems much more country-like in their appearance and demeanor than in the 1995 miniseries. I've not watched the 1940 film in its entirety. It's come on TV a few times, but I just can't get past the costumes. =P

Yes, Brando was great at being Brando. And he played a terrific Stanley. With each new production, though, every actor's going to be different. It would be pointless for an actor to take on a role and play it exactly as it was played before him. So as the comparisons between him and Elliot will continue, I hope people watching the play will appreciate Elliot's take on the role (as you did).

[anonymous]

I too wish people would stop comparing Elliot to Marlon. They are not the same person so why should their performances be the same? It's only natural that each would bring their own nuances and interpretation to the role.

Having said that...I'm here in the US so I defintely have not seen the play. I have only been tracking the reviews onine.(I keep hoping the play and Elliot come to Broadway!)

I think the biggest criticism of Elliot has been his accent...well it's very hard to do American accents...even harder to do a New Orleans/Louisiana accent!!!