Stella's Song

The Better Blanche

Although both actresses are playing the same character. They each perceive her in their own way and both bring out different parts of her character to the screen. I believe Jessica Lange shows the confident/cocky side of Blanche very well although she misses out on who I believe Tennessee Williams wrote Blanche to be. Although in this clip she is acting out a weaker moment it seems like she is trying to show too much confidence and not giving the viewer a real look at Blanches true character. This weaker and self consience side can been see though Vivian Leigh's performance. Leigh captures both the confident front that Blanche puts up and lets the viewer see the weaker side that hides behind the front she puts on. I believe this is who Tennessee Williams meant for Blanche to be and it is this weakness that he refers to in his quote. Although she does show some weakness it is this weakness in his eyes that makes her strong and a person that is to be admired.