Topic > Story Analysis of Terry Malloy in the Movie "On The Waterfont"

On the Waterfront is a movie that explores the story of an inadequate man, Terry Malloy, as he suffers while trying to stop the forces that wish to destroy him and his woman who loves. Kazan uses this internal conflict to highlight the fact that understanding is possible, even in the darkest circumstances, using Edie Doyle and Father Barry to provide guidance for the protagonist in his search for the truth. The deaths of a number of longshoremen as well as harsh scenes where Johnny Friendly is seen beating up his union members or roughing up Terry are examples of when Terry suffers and learns from those who are supposed to protect them. Kazan uses these scenes to paint a bad picture of the union for Terry so he can make a decision. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Terry's understanding and perception of justice plays a key role in the film as Johnny Friendly seems to deny his immoral actions, but he doesn't. I don't see it as wrong. Terry says "He wasn't a bad boy that Joey" to which a passerby states "He was a canary" illustrating the differences in understanding between them, further highlighting the learning phase Terry is going through. After the murder of Joey Doyle, very few people in the community are willing to express their opinion regarding the murder, Terry avoids confessing until the end of the film but is guided in his understanding by Edie and her father. Barry.Father. Barry is used by Kazan in the film as a representation of doing the right thing at all costs and preaches this idea to Terry. Terry's view of the world and himself slowly changes and transforms over the course of the film as he listens to Fr. Barry's teachings. When Father Barry stands next to Dougan's body, we see a moment of change for Terry, as Friendly's workers throw rubbish at Fr. Barry Terry tells them to stop and even gets into a fight with a boss. Terry in this moment goes from being on the fence about joining to understanding how he treats his people and joining with the Father. Barry to stop this from continuing. Terry's understanding after his moment with his brother Charley shows not his understanding of how the Mafia works, but his understanding now that every part of the Mafia is corrupt and immoral and he vows to stop it. While convincing his brother to join him, Charley says he can only lie to Friendly, but also gives Terry a gun to use, which he ends up not actually using. After the scene where Charley is seen murdered in an alley, Terry finally breaks down and wishes to testify to the commission so that the syndicate can be stopped. Terry's final moment after testifying in court is the scene where he confronts Friendly for his crimes. . Terry approaches the building and, in discussion with Friendly, remarks that "they are here now" signifying his new allegiance to the longshoremen and his understanding of how they have been treated and which moral side he should be on. Afterwards, the fight scene leaves Terry physically but not spiritually broken, leaving Friendly worthless in the eyes of his syndicate members. This comes with the syndicate now controlling no one and Terry leading the men while tripping over the boat showing them that he can beat the syndicate. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Kazan's film helps Terry on the journey of understanding who he is and who others are with respect to their morals and the legitimacy of their actions. The quote “I'm here now” shows us that he has..