The Film Talk » Karl Malden

Karl Malden

July 1st, 2009by Gareth Higgins · Comments

So, here’s the thing about Karl Malden.

Best role? Playing a liberationist priest in ‘On the Waterfront’. The priest may not know that he’s a liberationist, but Malden does. It’s an astonishing, grounded, fiery performance of balanced light and heat. It makes you want to believe.

Last role? Playing a priest in ‘The West Wing’. I always liked to think that this was how his ‘Waterfront’ character ended up – giving pastoral advice to Presidents. Fifty years on, he’s mellowed, but the theology hasn’t developed any nuance; which, in his case, is only a good thing: Love your neighbor. Love your enemy. Do good to those who persecute you. Don’t take no for an answer when the world is crying out for yes.

Beyond that, I know little or nothing about Karl Malden; other than the fact that he was married for almost 71 years. I think we can assume that that is a statement about his humanity that bears repeating.

As the Film Talk’s founder and driving force, my genial co-host prepares for his own nuptials this weekend, we shall raise a toast to Karl Malden, to the priests he embodied, to the truth that he told. Rest in Peace.

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Tags: Actors We Love · Bye Bye Life · Character Actors

StanleyRumm

Am I the only one who thinks On the Waterfront is a drab hamfest? It's a barely-disguised filmed play. I don't think it works on camera at all. I've seen it a number of times (but not for maybe 10 years now) and each time I've re-affirmed this view. I don't get it. I'm open to changing my mind next time I see it, but up to now it has eluded me. Has this emperor got clothes? Where?

That said, I loved Karl Malden in everything. The Streets of San Francisco is where I felt I got to know him.

Welcome back by the way. All's I say is if you two spent your holidays (honeymoon even!) together and are still speaking then it must be a lasting relationship. I've never gone anywhere with 'couples' for more than 2 nights without the fan getting pretty mucked up. It's always women's fault of course.

;)

Eric

I have always loved movies, but I remember the very moment I became seriously interested in film. I was maybe a freshmen or a sophomore in high school when I saw Elia Kazan's breathtaking "A Streetcar Named Desire" on TV. I was absolutely stunned. Of course Brando was unbelievable but I couldn't help but think for weeks about the subtleties and nuance Malden brought to his character, Mitch Mitchell. He will be missed.

Jett Loe

Malden channeled moral authority in his pics - check him out in Patton for instance. - you just believed the guy was on the side of the angels.

Ana

To Karl Malden. You're right, he was so stunning in On the Waterfront. Hard to feel a generation passing. He will absolutely be missed and remembered. Enjoy Costa Rica and congrats to Jett.