Review of East of Eden (1955) by Anne-Julie L — 17 Jan 2012
Say hello to your mother.
In a small California valley town just before World War I a single father raising two boys experiences issues with an investment in frozen vegetables. The farmer has one straight and narrow boy that does well in school and lives a relatively normal life. He also has an eccentric boy who wants to help his dad recover his lost fortune. The eccentric boy looks up his mother, who he was told is dead, and hopes to rekindle enough of a relationship to garner some money to invest in a venture to repay his father's losses.
"How did you know it was true?".
"Because she ain't no good and I ain't no good.".
Elia Kazan, director of A Streetcar Named Desire, On the Waterfront, Baby Doll, Splendor in the Grass, The Last Tycoon, and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, delivers East of Eden. The storyline for this picture is mesmerizing and extremely intense. It reminded me of a cross between What's Eating Gilbert Grape and The Long Hot Summer. The acting was mesmerizing and the cast includes James Dean, Julie Harris, Lois Smith, and Jo Van Fleet.
"Is there anything nice about her at all?".
This is my first ever James Dean movie and I found it equal in terms of quality to A Streetcar Named Desire and On the Waterfront. This is an epic picture with great acting and fascinating characters. This is a must see for students of film and storytelling and another great picture by the wonderful Elia Kazan.
"She wasn't like other people.".
Grade: A+.
This review of East of Eden (1955) was written by Anne-Julie L on 17 Jan 2012.
East of Eden has generally received very positive reviews.
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