Marlon Brando: Legacy, Controversies, and ‘Waltzing with Brando’

Few names in Hollywood evoke as much intrigue, admiration, and debate as Marlon Brando. His career, spanning decades, was marked by artistic brilliance, personal eccentricities, and an unflinching willingness to challenge the norms of the film industry. Brando’s legacy is now being revisited in the unconventional biopic ‘Waltzing with Brando,’ starring Billy Zane, which offers a fresh lens on the private and public life of the enigmatic actor.

The Artistry and Controversies of Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando’s reputation as one of cinema’s greatest actors is firmly rooted in performances like ‘The Godfather,’ ‘A Streetcar Named Desire,’ and ‘Apocalypse Now.’ Yet, his career was equally defined by moments that bewildered colleagues and critics alike. One infamous episode unfolded during the making of ‘Christopher Columbus: The Discovery.’ Despite being paid a staggering $5 million in cash for a supporting role, Brando became disenchanted with the script and the portrayal of Columbus, demanding his name be removed from the credits and suggesting radical changes—even after collecting his fee (Far Out).

Producer Alexander Salkind recounted to The New York Times that Brando accepted the cash without complaint but worked only about two weeks, pushing the boundaries of what a Hollywood superstar could get away with. His demands for creative control often led to friction with producers, and his willingness to publicly disparage his own films was unprecedented. On ‘Superman,’ Brando managed to negotiate a lucrative deal, earning almost $20 million for just 12 days of work and a share of the profits. Yet, even then, he tried to dodge his on-screen commitments, going so far as to propose that his character, Jor-El, be portrayed as a bagel.

This pattern reflected Brando’s complex relationship with fame and authority: he relished the opportunities his status afforded him, but he bristled at anything that threatened his autonomy or artistic vision. For Brando, acting was not just a profession—it was an ongoing negotiation with the industry itself.

‘Waltzing with Brando’: A New Perspective

In the newly released biopic ‘Waltzing with Brando,’ Billy Zane steps into Brando’s shoes, capturing not just his physical likeness but his singular spirit. The transformation was so convincing that Brando’s own daughter, Rebecca, reportedly struggled to distinguish Zane from her father in side-by-side photos (TODAY). This reaction became the ultimate validation for Zane and the creative team behind the film.

The movie departs from the conventional rise-to-fame narrative, focusing instead on Brando’s years in Tahiti during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Here, Brando pursued a dream to build a sustainable luxury resort on his private island, Tetiaroa—a vision that was met with skepticism by architect Bernard Judge and others. While Brando did not live to see the resort completed, The Brando Resort eventually opened in 2014, reflecting the actor’s enduring commitment to environmental and indigenous causes.

Director Bill Fishman and Zane sought to illuminate Brando’s passion for activism, his moments of joy, and the humanity behind the Hollywood icon. Zane describes the film as “behind-the-scenes of the moments, the films and offerings of a man that we assume we knew,” but who emerges as a “charming, interesting, funny and curious” figure. The narrative is guided by Judge’s own journey, with Jon Heder portraying the architect whose path intertwines with Brando’s, offering audiences a dual perspective on ambition and self-discovery (WTHR).

Transformation and Creative Process

Bringing Brando to life on screen was a challenge for Zane and the film’s makeup and hairstyling team, led by Erica Villanueva. The process involved intricate work, especially for scenes replicating ‘The Godfather’ and ‘Last Tango in Paris.’ Zane recalls wearing prosthetics and wigs, with the team’s efforts earning an Emmy for their work on HBO’s ‘The Penguin’ and a shortlist at the 97th Academy Awards.

For Zane, the pressure of portraying an icon was immense. He approached the role with a philosophy inspired by Brando himself—resisting the weight of expectation and embracing improvisation and joy. “The only way to play and approach this I felt was to ask how Marlon would, which was to not really give a damn,” Zane explained. “To really resist the inherent pressure of playing our greatest actor and just approach it in very counterintuitive techniques.” This approach allowed Zane to channel Brando’s unpredictability and depth, creating a performance that resonates with both longtime fans and new audiences.

Legacy and Family Connections

‘Waltzing with Brando’ also weaves in real-life family connections. Billy Zane’s daughter, Ava, makes her feature film debut as Sabrina Judge, adding another layer of authenticity to the production. The bond between Zane and his daughter echoes the familial ties that shaped Brando’s own life—he was married three times, fathered nine children, and adopted two more. His last marriage, to Tarita Teriipaia, began during his time in Tahiti, further cementing the island’s significance in Brando’s story.

Brando’s legacy remains complicated. He was lauded for his groundbreaking performances but also criticized for his difficult working relationships and the uneven quality of some later roles. His Razzie nomination for ‘Christopher Columbus: The Discovery’ stands as a testament to the risks he took and the controversies that followed him.

Yet, as ‘Waltzing with Brando’ demonstrates, his influence endures, not only in the world of film but in the broader cultural conversation about activism, identity, and the pursuit of personal truth.

Marlon Brando’s story is a reminder that greatness in art is often entwined with imperfection and controversy. His willingness to challenge Hollywood conventions made him a legend, but it was his restless search for meaning—on screen and off—that continues to captivate audiences and inspire new interpretations, as seen in ‘Waltzing with Brando.’ The film’s nuanced portrayal invites viewers to reconsider not just Brando the actor, but Brando the man.