Brando's Smile

More about the book

When people think of Marlon Brando, they often envision the iconic movie star and his scandals. In this biography, Susan L. Mizruchi uncovers the lesser-known aspects of Brando's life: his collection of four thousand books, his meticulous script revisions, and his innovative use of physicality to create authentic characters. Mizruchi had unprecedented access to Brando's annotated library, hand-edited screenplays, private letters, and previously unquoted recorded interviews. Original interviews with figures from Brando's life, including Ellen Adler, his former girlfriend and the daughter of his acting teacher, offer deeper insights into this complex individual, whose intelligence surpassed that of a typical high-school dropout. The book highlights Brando's embrace of diverse cultures and social outsiders, which enriched his performances in unconventional roles, fostering global empathy. It also explores Brando's political activism, including his support for civil rights and his friendship with James Baldwin, as well as his notable decision to decline an Oscar in solidarity with Indigenous rights. Accompanied by over seventy stunning and rare photographs, this biography paints a vivid portrait of a man whose cultural legacy remains profound.