For a boxer close to a championship, falling into the spotlight after a defeat is quite common, but losing because of his own brother's bets against him is never seen. On the Waterfront by Elia Kazan portrays the role of this veteran living his life as a tramp under the orders of a local mafia boss. This film stands out from the way films are presented today. There weren't many fast chase scenes, huge battles, or over-the-top special effects. This film focused on its characters, depicting their reactions to the cumbersome slot they occupy at the shipyard. It was driven by a series of intertwined conflicts and a strong mix of character development and storytelling, and made it a phenomenal work of art. Conflict is what viewers watch movies for, and a series of well-developed conflicts all wrapped up in a single movie is a recipe for success. Kazan's portrayal of Terry Malone, the former boxer who lost his fame because of a betting operation, shows many facets of the life of a person controlled by oppressors. His main conflicts include his inner turmoil following the death of a fellow dockworker, the constant pounding of grief in the form of Joey's sister Edie, and the ever-vigilant preaching of Father Berry. At the start of the film, Terry is asked to send Joey Doyle, a fellow dockworker, to his roof to talk to some mobsters. Unbeknownst to Terry, Joey is killed and blame for the crime is not assigned to anyone. Terry is overwhelmed by the knowledge that he brought up Joey Doyle's death, and throughout the film he is plagued by reminders of his death. He receives Joey's coat in memory of him and helps the viewer empathize with the oppressed protagonist. Edie Doyle is simply a young woman hoping to find the man responsible for her brother...... middle of paper ... her brother's death was completely drowned out by the horns of ships and barges. I believe this took away from the scene, as the dialogue helped drive the story thus far, and such a critical scene masked to show "pure emotion" overdramatized it for me. In conclusion, Elia Kazan's portrait of a young savior trying to bring justice. towards those who oppress and give a better life to those around him was superbly done. From a series of complex conflicts that extended to much more than just a death, to the feelings it evokes through the use of characters and plot; Kazan created a critically acclaimed work of art that tells the dark story of a man rising up against a monopoly for the good of those around him. This film showcases his artistic prowess and helps inspire new filmmakers daily: creating storytellers who can tell stories that mesmerize audiences for generations to come..