Paul Newman & Liz Taylor in a phenomenal movie (Cat On A Hot Tin Roof (DVD))

Member Name: bruffyboy

Product:	Cat On A Hot Tin Roof (DVD)
Date:	15/05/09 (23 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: acting and plot

Disadvantages: nothing

In terms of 'old films' (this one being 1958), this is my absolute favourite ever. The acting from Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor is just divine: so subtle and brooding, it raises the bar in character acting, and hasn't been surpassed since.

'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' is a play written by American playwright Tennesse Williams, and published in 1955. It tells the story of a dysfunctional family headed up by patriarch Big Daddy, who has cancer (but doesn't know it). His son Brick is a former athletic hero turned disaffected alcoholic, and the relationship between the two is examined in sensitive depth as both characters struggle with the truth of their predicaments. The relationship between Brick and his wife Maggie is also central to the story.

This play is one I have taught at A Level, and I have to say it is probably the most powerful of all plays I have read. At its heart, is the father son relationship between Big Daddy and Brick, which brings to light many of the complex themes Williams was interested in. First up is the major theme of mendacity: the way society is based upon lies, where people hide from the truth in order to put on a 'brave face'. The play also covers many issues that were illegal or only recently legalised at the time (homosexuality and alcoholism), and there is an almost dangerous frankness in dealing with the two. Williams himself, a homosexual, does not present same sex relationships in a positive light, but just draws light on the issue.

The major strength of the film comes in the dialogue, particularly that between Brick and Big Daddy, which is deep, poignant and authentic. Williams' own relationship with his father seems to play a big role in the play, and the examination of father son relationships is one many will be able to relate to.

At its detriment, the setting of mid 20th century America may make the play difficult to relate to for some readers, but it really is worth pushing through for those who enjoy relationship studies in literature.

Summary: watch this film!