ELIA KAZAN'S 'ON THE WATERFRONT' IN THE HISTORY OF CINEMA ('Na nabrzezach' Elii Kazana w meandrach historii kina)

The legendary film 'On the Waterfront' was made two years after Kazan gave his testimony and betrayed his co-workers and friends to the McCarthy commission in the US senate. Many film historians think that the director used this opportunity to justify his action on the cinema screen. 'On the Waterfront' became a victim of the historical context, that suggested certain readings and interpretations. The author considers the stereotypes that prevented the film from becoming a turning point in the American cinematography. The article also contains an analysis of Kazan's style, his new and original methods of working with the actors, and the construction of characters.