Marty (1955) Review

Title: Marty 
Year: 1955
Director: Delbert Mann
Country: US
Language: English

Often you will hear the cliched saying "They don't make them like they used to!" and in Marty's case they'd be right. This understated romance picture just isn't made anymore. Romance movies in our present time are either oversexualized melodramas or over-the-top comedy. This film takes it time with a budding romance and is quite refreshing in doing so.

A middle-aged butcher (Ernest Borgnine) and a school teacher (Clara Snyder) who have given up on the idea of love meet at a dance and fall for each other.

One of only three movies (Marty, The Lost Weekend & Parasite) to win Best Picture at the Oscars & Palm D'Or at Cannes, Marty was adapted by Paddy Chayefsky from his 1953 teleplay. Directed by Delbert Mann, the production captures the lonely lives of the lower-middle class as they seek to find love and meaning. It is a very well directed, written and acted film. 

Ernest Borgnine has been in a vast amount of movies, but his greatest role is in Marty. He brings an honest vulnerability to the role that makes him endearing to his audience. He is perfectly cast. He and Clara Snyder have incredible chemistry together. We can't help but fall in love with them both. 

Oscar Winners are known for being long, big budget spectacles but Marty is the exact opposite. It's a brief 90 minutes and manages to tell an remarkably powerful story without relying on any visual effects. More movies like this please.