Rod Steiger commenting on Doctor Zhivago (1965)

[@LouielamsonTranNguyen]

Good story, with great actors and actresses who made wonderful sense of this movie. Doctor Zhivago is one of my all-time favorites. It's very interesting to hear Rod Steiger's comments on it. ❤😂😅

[@asacarrick1385]

Rod Steiger is one of the most talented actors in cinema of all time

[@chrismorrison3696]

I love this film so much and Steiger's performance is, in my opinion, one of the finest ever filmed. "We're all made of clay you know."

[@k.t.5405]

"will you accept the terms of this ignoble Caliban?" 😲😲😲

[@chrismorrison3696]

@@k.t.5405 Such a great line. I love the film so much that I bought the book!

[@k.t.5405]

""one day she went away and didnt come back... she died or vanished somewhere, in one of the labour camps. A nameless number on a list that was afterwards mislaid" 😥😥😥 THATS my absolute fave. To me, it encapsulates the brutality we humans are sometimes capable of... @@chrismorrison3696

[@redbarchetta8782]

You ended up not liking the character, but you do empathize with him.

[@ER1CwC]

9:15 “If you rob the audience of the pleasure of imagining, you’re usually sitting in front of something either bad or dull.” Boy, people have completely forgotten about this wisdom, haven’t they… I had no idea that this is his real way of speaking. The way he speaks in the film is so different yet still natural.

[@62irishmike]

Steiger was phenomenal as Victor Komoravsky in DOCTOR ZHIVAGO. His commentary is fascinating. He was a brilliant actor. The same year Zhivago was released, Steiger was Oscar nominated Best Actor for his brilliant performance in The PAWNBROKER. Nothing against Lee Marvin, a powerful actor, but Steiger should have won. His performance is unforgettable, as stunning now as it was when Pawnbroker was first released in 1965.

[@GiftSparks]

Agree with you. Cat Ballou was a very popular film and Pawnbroker was just a hugely respected one. A lot of people didn’t ever see it because of the content. If the two films had been released today, there would be no question which one was the better performance. Hands down, Rod Steiger would win.

[@gloriamontgomery6900]

Absolutely. He was truly brilliant

[@C.E.Thomas1952]

So agree with all of you. I didn't remember cat ballou won over the Pawnbroker. Whatever happens the sheeple mustn't think!!

[@Mellie726]

Yes I agree. Rod Steiger's acting was simply outstanding in Dr. Zhivago. I may have seen the Pawnbroker but did not fully comprehend it at the time. Have to see it again sometime. Back in 1965+ the choices for best actors, movies and the like were so very competitive because there were so far more memorable performances in a year alone. Nowadays It's almost easy to choose a a favorite. The movies are such a far cry from yesterday and the epics are probably obsolete because of the cost.

[@timmellin2815]

Pawnbroker is a film I need to see since Steiger was so good in Zhivago; ditto for Julie C......I need to see Darling. She was also so good in Hamlet (w/ so many other cameo stars......Kenneth Branaugh's film). In the commentary track for Hamlet, they discuss how Julie was so initially intimidated working her part w/ so many more experienced Shakespeare actors; but she came up big and was outstanding in her own part....no need for any apologies from her.

[@C.E.Thomas1952]

I have always loved Rod Steiger the actor but I never knew much about him. Listening to his commentary and his quiet, modest, self-deprecating intelligence I am transported into that magical world where what you say and how you say it elevates the soul. What talent. What a man. I am even more enchanted at 70 years old and yes, the Pawnbroker WAS a tour de force. Thank you so much for this interview.

[@timmellin2815]

Since you liked it, you should hear all of it.....located on the commentary track of the DVD of the film.....Steiger, Sharif, and Lean's widow as a trio all comment on the complete film as it screens. This short version is just a sample of the complete commentary you will find on the DVD.

[@January.]

Mr. Steiger was such a fascinating man. People like him don't exist anymore....😢

[@mistychenoweth9716]

He’s so funny! One of my favorite actors. So good.

[@Mellie726]

Loved this and have seen the picture many times from 1965 at age 13. It still remains the best picture I've ever seen, albeit being quite religious at age 13, being upset about Lara and Zhivago having their affair. But peeling off layers of understanding till being older, this movie, the cinematography, music, acting and whatever I may have missed mentioning here, is the best and will remain the best picture of my lifetime.

[@kitkatcats3360]

Steiger stole the show!

[@karenknight8275]

Thank you for portraying one of the best movies ever made. Mr Steiger, what a talented class act. I would love to see it again.

[@johnfulton4061]

He was amazing he should have won the Oscar that year for The Pawnbroker if you have not seen that film see it as you probably know he won two yrs later for In the Heat of the Night

[@michaellazzeri2069]

I MUST say this : Steiger should have won Best Supporting actor .----------and, julie Christie was beyond gorgeous in this film. Like Gene Tierney's Laura, Julie Christie will forever be, Lara.

[@michaeltischuk7972]

I thought Tania was pretty good here too, it's like Pasternak Ginger or Maryanne debate here.

[@chrisyates8115]

I agree!

[@cynthiacrumlish4683]

Phenomenal actor. Never a false move.

[@pauljnolan1000]

He was one of the all-time greats. As good as anyone, ever. Edited to add, one day later: and his quiet, dignified commentary prompted me to order the book. I kept wondering, how did he see so much more depth in the character than I saw watching the movie? Then it dawned on me: he read the book!

[@timmellin2815]

In the late 60s or early 70s, he had a really interesting Playboy magazine interview feature.....more insight into his psyche, if somehow you can get access to that interview.

[@HartmutJagerArt]

David Lean and a cast of fabulous actors created one of the best movies ever made !

[@abbashussein6161]

NO DOUBT ABOUT THAT DAVID LEAN THE BEST DIRECTOR FOR THREE GENERATIONS TO COME ALMOST ALL HIS MOVIES CLASSIC AND OSCAR WINNING

[@adrianjohnson7920]

What a lovely discussion of such an interesting part in this immortal film. Mr Steiger is delightful.

[@zu0832]

what humility!

[@jerrypolverino6025]

I have always admired Rod Steiger as an actor and a performer. I have never seen a film where he was not outstanding.

[@TheVaughan5]

David Lean was one of the greatest directors of all time. I would place him along with Fred Zimmerman and William Wyler, it’s a difficult call of course but these 3 were certainly at the very top of their profession.

[@abbashussein6161]

OH YES YOU SAID IT RIGHT

[@davidmccrae3718]

this is absolutely fascinating. He is so very eloquent, and has such admiration for everyone else

[@lemorab1]

Great interview with Rod Steiger! Thank you!

[@VtRD]

We were so blessed to have Rod Steiger as long as we did. His versatility is magnificent. Compare his work in Zhivago to In the Heat of the Night. Wow.

[@marymoore8456]

Dr Zhivago is my favourite flim off all time. David Lean was the master & a genius. This flim was a masterpiece & a classic

[@richardclegg5853]

How awesome is Rod Steiger! Owns every scene in every performance, and best interviews in the business...

[@FreedomSpirit7]

Boris Pasternak wrote so deeply. He was incredibly empathic.

[@skykingimagery899]

So many great actors. One of the greatest love stories of all time.

[@Guitcad1]

"Folks, this is Rod Steiger. I hope you've enjoyed this thing. ..." I 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚, sir! 𝙑𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝! ❤ Thank you so much for your insight on this. RIP, Rod Steiger. 1925-2002

[@PeterSmith-go9ef]

Much appreciated. Thank you for letting us hear commentary from a remarkable man, my favourite actor in cinema history.

[@jonesisabela480]

Zhivago: The best movie ever, the prettiest actress ever, the best score ever in Lara’s theme. ❤

[@eottoe2001]

A comment I wrote got blasted concerning another interview about what a genius Steiger was and how was as good as Brando in understated way. If you look at 'On the Water Front,' he is a perfect counter point for Brando. For me, it took a long time for me to realize that the Victor Komoravsky was played by Steiger. I had seen the movie five or six times, too. Compare his Komoravsky to his Bill Gillespie in 'Heat of the Night' and if that isn't genius I don't know what is. Wow! (BTW, his description and analysis of Komoravsky in under a half hour is as good as any in the best lit class I've taken. If I were sending student to read 'Doctor Zhivago' I would start them off here.) End of Rant. Thanks for posting this @Kate Patskevich. This is a beautiful video.

[@PeterSmith-go9ef]

I totally agree with you about Steiger in On The Waterfront, his reactions to Brando are pivotal in the power of the taxi cab scene, and the movie as a whole. Double bubble about him being a genius, he is.

[@judithgoulding8046]

It's is " eternal"...with stood the test of time. It set the bar...and is still far reaching! Outstanding, symbolic, and beautiful!!❤

[@sergiolobato1798]

Amazing movie and one of the finest actors ever!

[@dk60ish]

This was a wonderful supplement of his work on this film, much better than his interview included in the Blu-Ray extras, R.I.P. Rod & thanks for sharing!

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Thank you so much for posting this video. In many respects, Komoravsky is the most interesting character in the story. He is certainly a horrible man in some respects, but he is a realist who is willing to save Laura and Zhivago - and they reject him out of pride. Playing this role, Steiger was great to watch, as he almost always was. He seemed like a man who was larger than life and you could never take your eyes off him when he was on the screen.

[@monichat]

No wonder Lara could not resist him. She was infatuated. I don't see who else could have portrayed Komarovsky. Impossible to dislike his character, he was so charming.

[@drohegda]

Kate when Dr. Zhivago came out i was in line outside the theater, in front of me was an older woman with a Babushka on when it was her turn at the ticket window she asked for one ticket and laid down her dollar, the price at that time period for admission. The ticket lady said sorry it's $2.50 for a ticket for Dr. Zhivago, she turned around and looked at me and said ,what is he a specialist or something. 😂😂 Thanks for the video.

[@markadams7046]

It is one of my most favorite movies. It's one of the very few movies that I've watched numerous times.

[@nicholasbartonlaw341]

I loved him in this and his later film Waterloo.

[@PeterSmith-go9ef]

With The Pawnbroker his portrayal here, and in Waterloo are my favourites. Waterloo is the Steiger film I watch the most.

[@hyicrotai9801]

She said she was 17 but man that was the most unbelievable part of the movie.

[@KJ-xc6qs]

one of my favorite actors

[@maytedrew8638]

Great story about the making of the film and the insights into the characters. Rod Steiger is one the best actors. May he RIP.

[@sarahschmidt4177]

Brilliant analysis and a brilliant artist. I like him more now that I understand that he was more than just a bully.

[@mathewsjacob5317]

The most magnificent movie of all times!

[@jeffc9673]

Brilliant in this part.

[@xpindy]

Amazing! I always wondered what Steiger's process was while playing this role.

[@wildflowers5555]

Great Interview Clip! Thanks! (&) Oh, 'IF' we had Movies, Actors ,Directors,Studios like this today!

[@phrasedeyebro3255]

Heartfelt and Appreciated. Thank you!

[@katepatskevich]

Chapters with Steiger commenting: 0:00 On his casting as Komarovsky 1:28 On Komarovsky ignoring Lara 2:15 On his career 2:53 On the importance of the images and the pauses 3:30 On sets, and on teasing Omar Sharif 4:02 On Ralph Richardson 4:23 On the production costs 4:51 On dancing with Julie Christie 5:23 On his favorite story about kissing Julie Christie 7:18 On Tom Courtenay and David Lean 7:36 On composition and beautiful sets 8:30 On amazing panning shot 8:42 On Komarovsky and imagination 9:29 Omar Sharif on Steiger’s method acting 10:19 On keeping the style 10:39 On details an actor can bring and on drama getting darker 11:22 On losing his favorite hat 11:29 On Komarovsky’s romantic scene with Lara 13:12 Omar Sharif on the scene of bandaging Steiger’s arm 14:56 On Komarovsky’s compulsive love for the girl 15:30 On Geraldine Chaplin 16:13 On David Lean’s prop man 17:00 On Komarovsky not being a villain, but overromantic 18:27 On the most difficult scene (pretending to be drunk) 19:54 On his stunt fall 20:39 “The bigger the style, the bigger the emotions” 21:34 On shooting in Spain and wax simulating ice 22:27 On Komarovsky being used to winning 24:05 On two men changing their lives and the power of a woman who’s loved 24:47 On the filming, his improvising and the presence of the picture 26:42 On David Lean relying on his instincts and his great taste 27:11 On being a little thorn in David Leans’ side 28:10 On watching the picture with others

[@edwardsullivan8369]

I believe Steiger's full commentary has his assertion that Lara, at least in Lean's film, is a femme fatale, who brings all of her lovers to destruction...

[@Kimllg88]

what a nutty list. Just watch the interview!

[@ingeliseolsen1450]

I still love that movie in 2022 and everyone in it

[@lynnsingh1141]

My God they don’t make them like Steiger anymore. He TOTALLY embodied Komoravsky. ❤

[@abc89over64]

His work on this is brilliant. So much depth and intelligence. Timeless.

[@CommieGobeldygook]

This totally changed how I view his character

[@robbpowell194]

He is so delightfully funny.

[@georgepaciullo8260]

One of a kind.

[@rb1691]

Steiger. Those thoroughly villainous parts. His forte.

[@TheSaltydog07]

You did very well, Mr. Steiger. We share a love of "All Quiet on the Western Front." Good editing.

[@tracyd1233]

Great actor.

[@Corvetteman]

Very interesting comments. Thank you for posting this video.

[@DeepScreenAnalysis]

I have a theory that Rod Steiger's character was used as a reference by James Cameron for the Billy Zane part in Titanic.

[@asmodeus0454]

Rod Steiger was a phenomenal actor.

[@spockboy]

Thanks for posting. : )

[@robertedwards3654]

yes i did enjoy it mr steiger. thanks

[@50RobinHill]

Wonderful movie, and Rod Steiger was wonderful in it. The force and conviction of his performance as Komarovsky makes him believable as the vile seducer, despite his lack of physical appeal.

[@drohegda]

Ps. Same situation when I saw the movie "" Jaws "" I heard the guy says to the ticket lady he wanted a seat in the shallow end.😆😅😂😀😉

[@midnightchannel111]

Very interesting enlightening. Thank you for posting this!

[@redtomcat1725]

Thank you Rod !!!

[@zenzen9131]

Excellent

[@revmiguel2000]

Fantastic commentary!

[@baddudecornpop5226]

This is so awesome, thanks for posting!

[@patriciamackinlay6495]

thankyou that was pure pleasure.

[@KennethFord-y7c]

Steiger is a genius!!!!❤!!!

[@FreedomSpirit7]

Yes, that part with him and Julie at the table. The way he looked at her. She looking at the menu saying everything is so expensive. They start to dance. I use to roll the DVD back to place until I wore the DVD out. I am enjoying Rod Steiger's narrative on this. He gives a deeper look into the making of this movie. 💖

[@timmellin2815]

This short commentary is only part of the complete commentary that's included in the Commentary audio track on the DVD of the film. Steiger, Lean's widow, and Sharif are the trio all discussing the filming, amongst themselves. So watch the complete film w/ the complete commentary track, and you'll get the full insight.

[@timmellin2815]

Of another anecdotal note on commentary audio tracks.....about a film from a different genre.......I wish Ron Howard and Shirley Jones would record a commentary track together for The Music Man. At this late stage, it'd be insightful now that Ron H. has come full circle from child actress in the film, to acclaimed / experienced Hollywood director, in his own rite.

[@srfurley]

I met him once at the National Film Theatre in London. The only member of the cast that I ever met. I also met David Lean.

[@katepatskevich]

Wow, that's amazing! Thank you for sharing

[@12classics39]

He was a fantastic actor and truly astounding in this role. This film and “Oklahoma!” both show that he could play a great villain. Given that Komarovsky was a rapist, I think it was a little too far for him to say that the character wasn’t a villain at all, but regardless, he shows remarkable insight into the character and offers a perspective that some viewers may not have prior to hearing his interpretation. It’s a shame that so many great actors never got a chance to do commentaries for their films like Mr. Steiger does here. However, his comment about how “every guy wants to do a mother and a daughter at the same time” is a truly abominable thing to say…

[@genebrown5028]

Perhaps the best movie ever!!

[@ChillinVillin-in7sj]

I saw Dr. “Z” ;70mm film,U-shaped screen w/THD sound,as it was intended to be shown. When you see the production in this format;changes your way of thinking,about many things.🀄️

[@Veesaki]

Steiger wonderful "inspiring delight"

[@ToyKingWonder]

This is great, but I do not really agree with his assertion that his character is not a villain. He raped Lara. Then he insulted her. You just cannot explain that away. Now, did he have good aspects about him? Was he conflicted? Yes. I had never sat down and watched this whole movie until last Saturday. Wow, was I impressed. And the character that most stayed on my mind afterwards? Komarovsky. He is a great character, and a pitch-perfect performance by Steiger.

[@abbashussein6161]

ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES EVER MADE TOP DIRECTOR TOP CINEMATOGRAPHY TOP SCREEN PLAY BY ROBERT BOLT ALL OF THEM WERE WITH LEAN IN MOST OF HIS MOVIES

[@PeterSmith-go9ef]

Steals every scene he is in. A Chameleon of an actor, his range, ability, charisma, are singularly unique. R.I.P Sir, you are a legend.

[@chrissnuggs]

Awesome. This really is one of the finest films ever made: great stars and David Lean, plus teh tragic Russian Revolution ..... but sad though ....

[@jaysonbiggs8979]

I've been a Marxist (American, by the way) for over 50 years and I loved Dr. Zhivago from when I first saw it decades ago. It's about the Russian Revolution AND the civil war between the Reds and Whites.

[@ianh.6825]

Komarovsky's gunshot wound was to the forearm, not much above the wrist. This wouldn't have prevented him from raising the arm to assist the doctor in bandaging.

[@FreedomSpirit7]

He sure did awaken the sensual part in her. Rod was so good in this part. He was sexier in this movie more than Omar Sharif. Not that I'd sneeze at Omar Sharif. Sir Ralph Richardson was an incredible Actor also. This whole movie was excellent. The score was incredible. Rod played that part. Rod is describing exactly Kamorasky was. I never thought Kamorasky was a villian in this movie. Alec Guinness another great actor. This picture was excellent! It also told history.

[@shanecagney7451]

Love Steiger.

[@JH-lo9ut]

"Rod, you are not shot, and I am not a doctor, now help me lift your arm and we can go to the bar and have a drink"😂

[@ingeliseolsen1450]

Mr. Steiger, you were excellent in the movie. Your seduction schene with Lara at the dinner table, and your drunken schene with Yuri and Lara

[@ADAMSIXTIES]

Great actor, as everyone in this flawed film.

[@HC-cb4yp]

"... will last as long as there are two sexes in the world..." Oh, dear.

[@gj8683]

"He spoke many languages." As for paella, you can't win 'em all.

[@gianca60]

Lean liked to put one American actor between a full English cast, see Ryan's Daughter with Robert Mitchum.

[@arielg7000]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@michaellazzeri2069]

I ALWAYS ----------ALWAYS ! ----------believe Rod Steiger should have been Vito Corleone , instead of MUMBLES BRANDO ! I saw him, as I was reading the book. NEVER, would I have put Brando in that role, never. ------seeing Steiger in " The Chosen " , you'd have thought he HAD to be Jewish . NOPE ! Dutch-German, & very Lutheran. --------Great, great, actor. ------------MJL, 76 y/o

[@monichat]

Nobody could be better than Marlon Brando, not even Rod Steiger.

[@PeterSmith-go9ef]

His portrayal of Reb Saunders in The Chosen was truly phenomenal. Wonderful performance, beautiful film.

[@WalterLiddy]

I'd differ in saying that Komarovsky was actually a villain in love, made helpless by it as Steiger says, but despite his ill intentions. Of course, he doesn't see it that way because it was his role, and no one thinks of himself as villainous. Rod Steiger is among the greatest screen actors of all time. The movie, among the best films. I think the person I admire most though is Omar Sharif. He just seems like a great guy all around.

[@magnacz]

The difference today is that you can't seduce a minor nor rape her. Also what mother would offer up her daughter in order to keep her lover interested. Was she trying to kill herself because she knew what he was up to and had grown tired of her. Also to commit suicide where everybody knows the circumstances the Russian Orthodox church wasn't very forgiving with such "moral" behavior and the secret police would know about this and blackmail everybody involved.

[@PeterSmith-go9ef]

Your points are valid and deserve consideration.

[@susanpower-q5q]

15/27 Rod Steiger admits he never found out what the medal was for that he is seen wearing here in Film Anyone know?

[@catirerubio]

I believe that he stole that film. Shariff was excellent, but Steiger showed every emotion known to man/woman in that role.

[@prettypurple7175]

23:06 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🥰🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@zachsplep]

The English movie producers were no doubt very wary of any more American actors trying to do a British accent, since just the year before "Doctor Zhivago", Dick Van Dyke had horribly mangled his British accent in "Mary Poppins"!

[@catherinetangney2621]

Of course he was the villain - he let go of her hand!

[@ianwhitehead3086]

“This ignoble Caliban”

[@jjharris8341]

Steiger did a good job in the role, but does he understand the character? Komarovsky was not a "charmer", he was a predator who groomed a naive young girl for his selfish purposes.