The differences between Frank Sinatra's acting as Nathan Detroit versus Marlon Brando as Sky Masterson are night and day. In addition to the characters being inherently radically different, the combination of poise and disposition which each actor contributes to his role is unique. Marlon Brando inhabits the role of the gangster who in his own way is ethical, keeping his word and not backing down from a challenge. Instead of fidgeting or looking around to determine how to behave, Brando maintains a suave front--and is much more calculated and confident with his body language. Whereas, Frank Sinatra plays the lovable deadbeat who is fighting to survive with his job as the facilitator of gambling games--he isn't legitimate enough to even play the games. When watching his typical body language, Sinatra looks down or around at his peers more due to his self-conscious attitude coupled with his disposition to fail or be pushed around. Looking at them separately, even more distinctions become apparent. Besides both seeming like good guys at their cores, having an active affiliation with mobsters, and falling in love with theirrespective "dolls", there are very few similarities between the two roles.
First, I shall look at Sinatra's role. From the start, Sinatra's role embraces a certain comedic element and self-awareness which enabled him to poke fun at himself and his weight. He struggles to keep his job, peer pressure and the need for money fueling his drive to set up gambling games. He is surrounded by male friends and acquaintances, and he tries to seem more in-charge of his life and situation because of that. His tendencies to look around at other men's reactions to him indicate his dependence on others to dictate his own behavior. Sinatra's treatment of his romance reveales much to the audience about his character. His fourteen year engagement and tendency to depend upon his fiance's income highlights how stagnant his life seems and how he lacks agency or pride. His exaggerated motions with his hands and jumpiness indicate his fear of ineptitude. The fact that he sings more often for the benefit of men also shows his desire to fit in with the guys--being a guy's guy. His masculinity suffers because his fiancee seems to be taking care of him and he assumes a slightly whipped relationship with her. One scene stuck out due to Sinatra's character being well-intentioned and comedic but weak. When coordinating the game to take place in the sewage system, he gets pressured into losing all of his money over a bet with dice with no spots and he gawkily handles a gun when Brando throws it to him. Frank's role meshes more with the typical, inept yet lovable portrayal of masculinity.
Marlon Brando, on the other hand, remains cool and collected throughout the movie--the person to look towards and emulate. His only moments of real vulnerability are when he puts his emotions on the line with his female interest--especially in moments of song. In comparison to Sinatra, his character was played up and seen as respectable long before delivering his first lines in the film. That buildup allows the audience to separate themselves from him and put him on a pedestal for being a gambler worthy of respect and not easily taken advantage of. His effortless approach towards other men and most women contributes to the illusion that he is almost always in control of the situation. Brando's usage of his body to make people more aware of his strong and dominating presence are minimal because the lack of fidgeting; using his body too much in expression would make him seem like he cares too much about what others think. He is wise and articulate---causing even the most buttoned up girl to be submissive. He could fight but could also play up his romantic side--both of which contribute to his being a heartthrob-like character in the film. In essence, Sinatra was endearing yet Brando was captivating and powerful.
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