If Marlon Brando was not the greatest american actor of the 20th century who was?

Question

Its no one alive today that is a certainty
Just keep repeating "The Godfather" " On the Waterfront" " The Godfather" "The Fugitive Kind" The Godfather"

Read the question again didn't ask about movie stars didn't ask about entertainers. Didn't ask about character actors Asked about Actor.

Finally Read Stanislovsky

Finally Read Stanislavski

Answer 1

James Dean would have been had he lived.

Brando's genius was inconsistent; for every "Waterfront" & "Godfather" there is a "Missouri Breaks", "Mutiny on the Bounty", "Guys & Dolls" (Why? Good God, Why?), "Apocalypse Now", "Night of the Following Day"' and "Bedtime Story."

Spencer Tracy was better; Gene Hackman, Robert Duvall, and Robert DeNiro are better. The performance DeNiro gave in "Godfather II" , where he played young Brando playing young Corleone, blows Marlon out of the water. William Hurt might even be better.

Brando at his best was great, no question. But his greatness and his influence were relatively short lived, undone by his own demons and his curious contempt for his own gifts.

If I had to choose, I'd choose DeNiro. If I had to choose the greatest Actor, period, of the 20th Century, I'd choose Laurence Olivier.

If you are considering actresses as well, Meryl Streep is as good as any who EVER performed.

p.s. I think your notion that no one alive is in the same league as Brando is a bit narrow and short-sighted

Answer 2

Some people have mentioned Richard Burton, Kenneth Branagh (not Branick), etc. These are not American actors. (although both were/are extremely gifted)

I have to agree with the Theatre Guy in feeling that James Dean would have been the greatest actor, but he died so tragically young. Brando was great when he was on, but he could be awful (And yes, he most certainly WAS an actor. He trained classically as well as in the contemporary style and he studied - he knew his stuff)

I thought Spencer Tracey was close to the greatest American actor of the 20th Century. His work appeared effortless, but he knew exactly what to do in order to produce the effect that was needed. He always seemed so intelligent, so completely immersed in his roles. Tying with him would be Meryl Streep. Her range and depth are mind-boggling! I think they should give her an Oscar every time she shows up for work! The only reason I wouldn't give her my unqualified vote is that she is still working (lucky for us!) She is simply stunning.


If Johnny Depp were older, I'd say it was him, because he is the closest I've ever seen to James Dean. But I think Depp will be the greatest American actor of the 21st Century - unless my son starts making movies real soon!

Answer 3

Definitely Al Pacino. Marlon Brando was the first to use "The Method" and be successful at it. His raw presence made him great in his early years (Streetcar Named Desire). He betrayed his gift in his later years, taking roles pretty much just for money and cashing in on his tremendous earlier work. He did have some gems like "Godfather" later in his life, but ripoffs like "Apocalypse Now" and "Superman" he could never live down.

Al Pacino has had an incredible range of roles throughout his career. He is the consummate American actor. It remains to be seen how his career will evolve now that he is in his later years.

Answer 4

Marlon Brando was Marlon Brando .not really an Actor.
but every body liked Marlon Brandon
like John Wayne was John Wayne
they were charactors larger than life
and didnt really need to act

Richard Widmark was an Actor
or Richard Burton
And Al Pacino

Answer 5

The greatest American or French or English or Scottish or Russian or Italian or Turkish or African or Asian or European or .... actor has not ever lived... But I know many many great actors such as Jack Nicholson, Richard Burton, Orson Welles, Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, Antony Queen, John Cassavettes, Richard Widmark.... But if you still ask the same question and demand only one name I say: Antony Queen!

Answer 6

Someone already mentioned the name Barrymore and both John and Lionel were wonderful, but I really admire Orson Welles even though some of his movies were awful but he was superb in Citizen Kane, The Stranger, The Third Man and Macbeth.

I vote for Orson Welles.

Answer 7

Kennith Branick.
He is considered a great actor on film and on stage. Marlon Brando couldn't keep up.

Answer 8

We think the greatest American Actor is definately John Wayne (from an Australian point of view)

Answer 9

I'd offer-up Spencer Tracy, with Clark Gable as runner-up. Brando, however, was indeed unique and would rank highly in my own Top-10.

Answer 10

Al Pacino