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On The Waterfront: Film Analysis

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On The Waterfront: Film Analysis
It is ineffectual to analyze a work of art without considering the time it was made. As work of art is an apropos distinction for Elia Kazan’s 1954 film On the Waterfront, it is therefore crucial to examine the era the film was produced. In the 1940s and 50s the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC), led by Senator Joseph McCarthy, began an anti-Communist crusade. Determined on driving the “Reds” out of Hollywood, HUAC subpoenaed prominent actors, writers, and directors to testify against their colleagues. Many refused, however in 1952 Elia Kazan gave the names of Communist party members to the committee branding him the ultimate betrayer- a stigma that has followed him to this day. Though some argue On the Waterfront should be evaluated
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