MovieChat Forums > The Missouri Breaks (1976) Discussion > Brando was just what this film needed. N...

Brando was just what this film needed. Not so much Nicholson, though...

posted 17 years ago by Reality-Bites
12 replies | jump to latest

I thought Brando's appearance in this film, which made the "regulator" a deliciously and unexpectedly offbeat character, was just the ticket for this movie. It would have been a much different, perhaps even boring, movie, without Brando. I like Brando in a few other films - "The Island of Dr. Moreau" and "Apocalypse Now" - for just that same reason.

As far as Nicholson's characterization of Tom Logan, I thought it was okay, but he seemed awfully stiff compared to Brando's smooth, almost effortless performance.

The one character i didn't really "get" was the daughter, played by Kathleen Lloyd. Her part was badly written, and poorly portrayed. Nice lady to look at, but sheesh, I coulda' done without her trying to instantly play sexually liberated woman throwing herself all over a scruffian like Tom Logan. totally unconvincingly played!

[–] unclediss 17 years ago

Out of all the amazing performances by BRANDO, you like THE ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU??

Seriously?

A statement like that says one thing to me.... You haven't seen many BRANDO films....

Do yourself a favor and watch these:

THE CHASE
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
THE FRESHMAN
ON THE WATERFRONT
THE WILD ONE
LAST TANGO IN PARIS

[–] Samoan Bob 17 years ago

Uh...I think he's talking specifically about Brando's "crazy" performances.

I like pie.

[–] Reality-Bites 17 years ago

Yeah. What Samoan Bob said!

Unclediss is an idiot who can't read.

[–] freojim 16 years ago

And also watch:
REFLECTIONS IN A GOLDEN EYE
BURN/QUEMADA(?)

[–] braves_snl 16 years ago

I thought Nicholson was great in this and really matched Brando's great performance in the scenes together. I didn't have a problem with Kathleen Lloyd either Thought it was a really great film.

[–] jkerr8 16 years ago

Brando's character in this film ranged from annoying to laughable. I found Nicholson much more believable and, therefore, more compelling. As for "The Island of Dr. Moreau," that movie was a true clunker.

[–] billywallace 16 years ago

I thought Ms. Lloyd's character was utterly charming as was her portrayal of her. Jack, Harry Dean, Frederick and Randy all very good, too. Harry Dean especially for his work in a role that was not a typical Harry Dean role. As for El Brando? What can I say? He's almost always worth the ticket alone. Loved the Montana scenery, too. The Missouri Breaks rocked for this fan.

[–] kidjay83 13 years ago

yeah nicholsons character seemed to be off beat and a bit stiff.Yeah brando pretty much was this movie .He made it interesting he seemed also to be toying with the other characters like toying with a cat with a ball of yarn .

[–] Reality-Bites 13 years ago

[Brando] seemed also to be toying with the other characters like toying with a cat with a ball of yarn

Exactly!

[–] kidjay83 13 years ago

it also seemed like he didn't take things seriously like his acting .Like he treated like being at recess .Its mind boggling because if you look his work from start to finish .He becomes more child like ,no matter how childish he becomes it doesn't take away from his performance as and actor .He's just as good as if he were taking things serious .Except the lazyness factor, you can see where he would of gotten lazy.At the same time i guess when your as good as someone like him and.You don't have any competition because your the best you can afford to be a bit lazy.Brando reminds me of the mozart from Amadeus a clown and a child ;but a genius.

[–] intuitsteve 12 years ago

I disagree about Nicholson.

[–] Bobby_vs_Satan 12 years ago

Brando was a lot of fun in this movie and helped it get a little energized but I really like Nicholson in this. Understated but strong performance. Overall I prefer Nicholson's part but they both go well against each other. This is a great movie.