I am studying Tennesse Williams's Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in English. It is a fabulous play, constantly entertaining and witty. I saw the film with great interest, and I was most impressed. Yes the filmmakers did tone down the sexual references and the language and some of the events are simplified or cut(ie. they suppressed Brick's supposed homosexuality) . But even with the changes, the film thanks to the stellar performances and the witty screenplay sizzles fantastically on screen. It is also very gripping and intense, like the play.
What makes the play so unique is this. Whereas directors tend to stage what they visualise in their heads when there are no stage directions to show exactly what the playwrights intend, Williams is very specific what he wants throughout. His characterisations are broad and his descriptions of everything down to the bed, which is very symbolic, are detailed. The film, like I said, is toned down, but it still retains the sizzle, wit and intensity of the play with consummate ease.
The screenplay is very witty, emotional and funny even. The direction is very good too, and respects Williams's style. The film for its time looks lovely with lovingly designed costumes and skillful cinematography. The music is great, and the editing is crisp.
Out of the performances, all of which were stellar in what is really an ensemble piece, Burl Ives stands out especially in a towering spot-on portrayal of the domineering patriarch Big Daddy, and managed to stay true to his character. Paul Newman is splendid as Brick, giving a performance of quiet intensity and broodiness. While she slightly overdid the Daddy Dawling routine, Elizabeth Taylor is deliciously catty and sexy as Maggie, and her and Newman's chemistry was evident throughout. While maybe not quite right in terms of build, Judith Anderson the brilliant actress she was is wholly convincing as Big Mamma. While loud and coarse, she is also sympathetic. Jack Carson plays Gooper well too, Madeleine Sherwood was a tad annoying as Mae, then again I never liked Mae that much in the play anyway.
There are many standout scenes, but the one that stood out for me was the scene in the rain with Big Daddy and Brick. Thanks to the contrasting personalities of the two characters and the powerful acting of Ives and Newman, it is one of the most powerful scenes in any film. It makes me wonder why Ives was so overlooked at the Academy Awards really. The final confrontation was also a highlight. All in all, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof has its minor flaws, but it is impeccably acted, atmospheric and very steamy. 9/10 Bethany Cox
