The Contender: The Story of Marlon Brando

An exhaustive biography on one of the more enigmatic actors of all times perhaps. Marlon Brando lead what can only be described as a hectic life much of his own making. Setting his mark from the late fifties and early sixties he rapidly became an icon for a star in his own style that few have probably come close to duplicating.

The author delves much into his childhood and the psychological drama, and trauma mainly provided by his parents that really set the path upon which he never really got off of. The alcoholic parents that he did not follow in line but still affected his behaviors and demons that he never really shook. Particularly his many and odd relationships and children was the outcome.

The book never lagged much in temp and show more interest as there was so much there to absorb and put into perspective. He did seem to gloss over some of the latter parts, particularly as Jorel in Superman but probably because it was such a minor role and as with many of his works it was simply about the fast paycheck.

Thouhgh in many respects Brando's life was tortured and the tormenting being in his own head it was still a life lived to the fullest that most people can't even imagine much less emulate. show less

I am not a big fan of Brando, and this book is rather long and detailed, but Mann has a way with words that makes it almost read as smoothly as fiction.

Redundant and over-reliant on Brando's parental trauma to explain him; nonetheless an effective assessment