Tennessee Williams is one of the all-time great playwrights in my opinion, or at least one of the greats of the 20th century, and 'A Streetcar Named Desire' is among his best work along with 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' (the play that introduced me to him when studying it in school). With it containing some of his most intelligent and sizzling writing and two of his most memorable and difficult to perform characters in Blanche DuBois and Stanley Kowalski.
Of the versions of 'A Streetcar Named Desire', the best known one is the 1951 film with Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh, although not a faithful adaptation as such and toned down in comparison on its own it still sizzles with passion, is incredibly well made and has two iconic lead performances. Other versions include the 1995 Jessica Lange version, which is more faithful and well performed, if not on the same level, but didn't have quite the same amount of passion and emotional impact. There is also this one from 1984, this time with Ann Margaret and Treat Williams, and would say the same general overview here as the Lange version overall though there is actually more of it. Also recommend highly the National Theatre Live production from 2014 with Gillian Anderson, and while it is more appreciate than love in quality the opera by Andre Previn may spark some interest too.
For me, this version on its own is not as good as the film, though did have enormous shoes to fill. It is though better than the Lange version, this having the better Stanley and Blanche and Stella's reactions to Stanley's rape are far more believable here, actually felt the hurt and anger. Its fidelity is admirable, with what was left out, repressed or just implied intact, and it's not a case of being faithful not being too much. Some may say it's pointless, do have to disagree and say it stands very well on its own without comparison and does deserve to exist, regardless of how it compares.
Not an awful lot wrong here in this 'A Streetcar Named Desire'. Maybe the tension, or at least the chemistry between Blanche and Stanley, doesn't sizzle as much as in the film, though there is more of it than in Lange's version.
Did admire that Treat Williams treated Brando's Stanley with respect and captures the animalistic brutishness very great intensity, it is a very good performance that could have been excellent. Perhaps though he could have brought out more of his own touches and have a slighter fresher interpretation, at times it did feel slightly too closely indebted to Brando though not quite an imitation. Although Alec Baldwin won't be for all tastes, his more human approach to Stanley was somewhat interesting.
'A Streetcar Named Desire' does look good though, both suitably elegant and claustrophobic. The photography is more than sufficient though could have been more expansive. The music captures the time period and setting very authentically. The production is thoughtfully directed and never tasteless, and Williams' dialogue has full impact here. The ending is intact and it is very powerful here.
While the performances may not be iconic level, they are still very good. Ann-Margaret is a more subtle but still searing Blanche, her vulnerability quite affecting to see. Beverly D'Angelo portrays conflicted Stella with very poignant pathos while giving some steel too. Randy Quaid's sensitive Mitch is no less inferior, loved how he portrayed his loyalty and also his later anger at his treatment by Blanche.
In summary, very well done and deserves to stand on its own two feet. 8/10
