On the Waterfront tells the story about a man named Terry Malloy who is trying to save his love and himself from the evil forces that want to destroy them. Kazan uses Edie, Father Barry and the conflict within himself to demonstrate that even the worst of circumstances can lead to understanding. Terry can learn from the death of many longshoremen, the violent scenes where Johnny Friendly is shown beating his union member or manhandling Terry. Kazan paints a negative picture of the Union for Terry to help him make up his mind.
Terrys perception of justice, and his understanding of it, is crucial to the story. Johnny Friendly does not seem to see anything wrong with his actions but he denies them. Terry says to a bystander “He’s not a bad kid, Joey” and the other responds with “He’s a canary”, showing their different levels of understanding. Terry does not confess until the final scene of the movie. Edie and Father help him to understand. Barry.
Father. Kazan uses Barry as an example of doing what is right at any cost and preaches it to Terry. Terrys vision of himself and the rest of the universe slowly changes during the entire film. Barry’s teachings. Terry shows a change of heart when Father Barry stands at the side of Dougan as Friendly workers throw garbage on him. Barry Terry orders them to stop. Terry even engages in a fight with one of the bosses. Terry now understands the treatment of the union’s members and joins Father. Barry, stop this from happening.
Terry’s understanding is not his understanding about the workings and corruption of the gang, but that now he realizes how corrupt the gangs are. Terry has vowed to put an end to it. Charley tells Terry to lie to Friendly and then gives him a gun. Terry doesn’t use it. Terry breaks down after seeing Charley being murdered in the alleyway.
Terry’s last moment in court, after he has testified is when he confronts Friendly about his crimes. Terry enters the building in an argument and says to Friendly that “I am standing over there now”, indicating a newfound allegiance for the longshoremen, his knowledge of their treatment and the moral position he should take. After the argument, the fight ensues. Terry is left physically damaged but not in spirit. Friendly becomes worthless to his union. After this, the union no longer controls anyone and Terry takes the men on a boat to show them he can defeat the union.
Kazan’s films helps Terry discover who he really is, what he stands for and how others act. The quote ‘I stood over there now’ tells us he is now standing amongst the dock workers, wishing for an honest wage and a safe day of work. Terry’s character in the movie goes from simple-minded ignorance to advocating for the dock workers.
