I could have been a contender

“I could have been a contender,” said Marlon Brando as he improvised his lines for his character, Terry Malloy, in the seven-time Academy Award winner film On the Waterfront (On the Waterfront). Marlon Brando used improvisation throughout the film to create a truly unique, unprecedented character. In the film, Terry Malloy transforms from a non-ambitious follower to a strong, independent hero. Terry Malloy’s transformation is not credited to his own revelations but rather is driven by the role he has in Joey Doyle’s death, his love for Edie Doyle, the strong pressure of Father Barry, and the eventual death of his brother, Charlie Malloy.

At the beginning of the film, Terry Malloy is portrayed as a character without any drive in life. He devotes his time, energy, and passion towards his pigeon racing rather than a steady job. Marlon Brando takes it upon himself to imbue a further characterization of Terry’s character. Terry is usually fidgeting with his hands in his pockets, playing with his hair, or his signature nervous gesture of putting his hand behind his head.

He often looks away from the character he is talking to by finding another focal point such as the zipper on his jacket or a piece of lint. It is clear Terry does not have much direction or any assertive qualities. His first internal conflict in the movie is his unintentional involvement in Joey Doyle’s death. Although he is torn up over the incident, he does not question Johnny Friendly on the matter but continues to follow Friendly’s lead.

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Another noteworthy detail hinted at in the beginning is Terry’s background as a boxer. Terry’s history as a boxer will continue to be hinted at for much of the movie until its significance is finally revealed.

As the movie progresses Terry begins to develop his consciences. A string of events force Terry to come clean. Among the most influential of these events are his encounters with Edie Doyle, sister of Joey Doyle. Edie is the first person in the movie to show belief in Terry; she brings out a side of him that the audience has not seen. Terry’s love for her is so strong he reveals to her what he did to her brother. This is the first sign that Terry is developing a sense of moral righteousness. While telling Edie, Terry’s demeanor begins to change. He keeps eye contact with her and uses his hands to talk, as opposed to relying on his go-to nervous gestures. Unfortunately, Johnny Friendly starts to notice a change in Terry and he sends Charlie Malloy out to talk to him. With much hesitation and trepidation, Charlie picks up Terry. During the car ride, Terry finally asserts himself. He reveals the truth about the night he threw his boxing title and how Charlie made him do it. For the first time, the viewer sees Terry standing up against another character. Terry tells Charlie, “You don’t understand. I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let’s face it. It was you, Charlie,” (On the Waterfront).

From this point on, Terry only becomes more fueled in his endeavors to become an honorable man. Soon after Terry leaves he discovers Charlie’s dead body. Over his brother’s body, Terry vows to “take it out on their skulls,” (On the Waterfront). However, Terry does not revert to anger. Father Barry will not allow him to use anger as a solution. Rather, Father Barry instructs him to get back at Friendly by testifying. In the courtroom, it is clear that Terry is nervous upon seeing Johnny Friendly. Emotionally, it is evident that Friendly still has a hold over him. However, after testifying, Terry finds all of his pigeons have been slaughtered. This final act of murder gives Terry the strength to finally stand up to Johnny Friendly.

Once at the waterfront, Terry does not receive work for the day. Angrily, Terry approaches Johnny Friendly’s shack on the water. It is clear to the viewer that his entire demeanor has changed. Terry, proudly wearing Joey’s old jacket, stands up straight without his hand in his pockets or any type of fidgeting. He even talks with more confidence and chews his gum in a smug manner. Terry’s new found self-confidence propels him to berate John Friendly, as he now calls him, saying, “You’re a cheap, lousy, dirty, stinkin’ mug! And I’m glad what I done to you, ya hear that? I’m glad what I done!” (On the Waterfront). After this dispute a fight breaks out between Terry and Friendly. Terry is left lying on the pier and Father rushes over to Terry, telling him, “You’ve lost the battle but you have a chance to win the war”. In this defining moment, Terry asks Father to put him on his feet. It is Terry’s final walk from the pier to the work entrance that completes his ultimate transformation. This walk symbolizes the end of Friendly’s abusive, austere reign and the beginning of a proper Union for hundreds of men.

In the end a “bum” became the hero of the waterfront. It was the courage of a single man that saved hundreds of workers. Terry Mallow’s view of Johnny Friendly was drastically altered after his misunderstood involvement in Joey’s death. His contemplation to stand up against Johnny was fueled by his love for Edie and several nudges from Father Barry. The final straw was the murder of his brother, Charlie. Terry could not have made this impact by himself; it was the collective impact of these people and events that transformed Terry Malloy into a leader.