The Contender

The Story of Marlon Brando

By: William J. Mann

Narrated by: Will Damron

Length: 21 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Based on new and revelatory material from Brando’s own private archives, an award-winning film biographer presents a deeply-textured, ambitious, and definitive portrait of the greatest movie actor of the 20th century, the elusive Marlon Brando, bringing his extraordinarily complex life into view as never before.

The most influential movie actor of his era, Marlon Brando changed the way other actors perceived their craft. His approach was natural, honest, and deeply personal, resulting in performances - most notably in A Streetcar Named Desire and On the Waterfront - that are without parallel. Brando was heralded as the American Hamlet - the Yank who surpassed British stage royalty Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, and Ralph Richardson as the standard of greatness in the mid-20th century.

Brando’s impact on American culture matches his professional significance; he both challenged and codified our ideas of masculinity and sexuality. Brando was also one of the first stars to use his fame as a platform to address social, political, and moral issues, courageously calling out America’s deeply rooted racism.

William Mann’s brilliant biography of the Hollywood legend illuminates this culture icon for a new age. Mann astutely argues that Brando was not only a great actor but also a cultural soothsayer, a Cassandra warning us about the challenges to come. Brando’s admonitions against the monetization of nearly every aspect of the culture were prescient. His public protests against racial segregation and discrimination at the height of the Civil Rights movement - getting himself arrested at least once - were criticized as being needlessly provocative. Yet those actions of 50 years ago have become a model many actors follow today.

Psychologically astute and masterfully researched, based on new and revelatory material, The Contender explores the star and the man in full, including the childhood traumas that reverberated through his professional and personal life. It is a dazzling biography of our nation’s greatest actor that is sure to become an instant classic.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 William J. Mann (P)2019 HarperAudio

Great read

I love Brando. Despite his atrocious behavior towards women (surprise: lady reviewer here), I am an ardent admirer of the man on screen. This book only deepens my admiration as well as enlightens my knowledge of him as a human being. It's well written, well researched, and well edited. If William Mann truly captures the spirit of Marlon, i believe Brando himself would approve.

A Well Built Telling

William Mann gives a seemingly full rendering of the man who was more a philosopher and sharp eyed observer on the nature of human beings than an "actor." His telling is appreciative of Marlon as a man who refused to be caricatured. Will Damron's narration has the perfect tone and (almost melancholic) mood for the telling of this life. I enjoyed it beginning to end and listened to it on the heels of watching the extraordinary documentary Listen To Me Marlon. This is a great companion to that.

stunning

this is by far the best biography I have encountered on any topic and also the best rendition on audible. this is how all life stories should be told, rigorously and with compassion. the level of empathy extended to understand the motivation of the man is astonishing and a good benchmark for others. this takes the man on his own terms and judges him against the criteria he laid out for himself, which is about as much as anyone could hope for in an assessment of a life. beautifully read with pathos and patience.

best book on Brando

anyone who wants to learn about Marlon Brando the man, separated from the myth, needs to read this.

I've read 4 Brando biographies; this one is

one of the most in-depth and understanding portrayals of any individual I've read. Mann shows you the struggle, the humor, the cruelty, the inner conflict, and the genius that made Brando

A fascinating man

I very much enjoyed this book. Marlon Brando is such an interesting person.A man with a lot of flaws and virtues. I enjoy how human he is and I like him as a person. he seems to have really tried and contributed a lot to society. I find his political views inspiring and it makes me want to do more in my own time. I'm a fan of Brando's work and think he's very sexy, especially in streetcar and the wild ones. but even if you're not familiar with his work, this is a great book and a wonderful character study.

Excellent biography

Thoughtful and relevant, as was its subject.

They want eight more words, but that says it.

Paul Weitz

Five Stars

The Best biography of Marlon Brando ever . I recommended this book to his fans and especially to journalists, bloggers, you-YouTubers always spread wrong, deformed stories about Marlon. With this book they shall know the truth

MOVING, ABSORBING NARRATIVE TOLD WITH EMPATHY AND RESPECT

Whether you are over the age of 50, as I am, or a much younger person interested in learning about a flawed but deeply principled man who deservedly became legend, this biography will help you understand what makes Mr. Brando uniquely great. I found it virtually unpausable, and I have over 740 titles in my Audible library. Some may be rendered skeptical by the obvious affection the author has for his subject and the psychological ovservations that run through the narrative. I find that both of these aspects add to, rather than detract from, the authenticity that emanates from this biography. It is, simply, a fascinating book, moving, educational, and right-now relevant,, especially with regard to Mr. Brando’s concerns about civil rights, the media and the Hollywood machine. It satisfies also as a tour of Mr. Brando’s films and an enlightened, though not unique, understanding and explanation of why his acting is extraordinary. Reading this book gave me even more respect for both the man and the film star, and made me want to rewatch On the Waterfront, Julius Caesar and The Godfather yet again. Very highly recommended.

New view of Brando

Love the unique take on this complex individual. Like no other. A must read for anyone.