Review of East of Eden (1955) by Jc E — 10 Sep 2016
John Steinbeck´s brilliant ´Cain and Abel´ themed story was conveyed in a condensed version by this timeless classic film. The film zoomed straight to the first of two most important events in the story.
Firstly Cal discovering his long lost mother / brothel owner and meeting her. Secondly Cal´s emotional devastation when his monetary present to his righteous dad was rejected. Cal then took revenge by taking his angel brother Aaron to meet his Madam mother, thus destroying his innocence and image of their mother being a saint.
Brilliant performance all round especially James Dean. He was born for the role with his boyish, winsome and rebellious nature, yet having a fragile and sensitive side in him. Although the film did a fine job in conveying Steinbeck´s story essence, one serious omission was the Chinese butler/servant in the Trass family.
In the book, he was the pillar of strength for the Trass family, both morally and also for all the daily chores that kept the household in good order.
This review of East of Eden (1955) was written by Jc E on 10 Sep 2016.
East of Eden has generally received very positive reviews.
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