"Perhaps no film adaptation of a theatrical event is so ingrained in the popular consciousness as Elia Kazan’s 1951 film adaptation of A Streetcar Named Desire...The cinematic depiction is, in many ways, a wholly unique interpretation of the text. This is caused in part by the harsh censorship of the American film industry, Kazan’s vision of the text, and by the casting of Vivien Leigh in the role of Blanche DuBois. This attempt by the creative team to “tame” the raw sensuality of Tennessee Williams’ original text created a radically different piece than the play as written. However, through a close cross examination of both works in tandem, the magnetic center which compels both readers and audiences to this story may be revealed."

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