Review and Summary of On The Waterfront
Terry Malloy is full of contradictions. A former boxer who cares for pigeons, a mob henchman who dislikes not being apprised of what is going on around him, and a quiet fighter who allows himself to be brutally beaten in order to rally the longshoremen of the docks together against the mob. The transformation of Terry takes place throughout the film, and cannot easily be associated with any one character’s introduction or any plot twist.
The culmination of all those elements result in a reformed Terry who realizes the greater good is more important than his immediate interests. While he blames his brother Charley for forcing him to take the fall in a boxing match, he had placed himself in such positions by his own free-will. It isn’t until he takes responsibility for his life that he can begin to change its trajectory.
Redemption through self-sacrifice is a common theme in American film. Heroes are often called upon to make amends for their own mistakes, and to act in such a way as to prevent the suffering of others, no matter the cost to themselves. Terry Malloy’s efforts in the film are not in vain. His actions lead to the protest of his coworkers, and they refuse to return to work until he can enter the building with them. Terry forcing himself across the dock into the building is one of the most stirring scenes in the film, providing a uniquely peaceful ending to a violent story.