Review of East of Eden (1955) by Bob W — 04 Mar 2010

Loosely based on Steinbeck's most ambitious novel, this is of course best remembered for being James Dean's first role. It did not get good reviews when it first came out despite some fine acting performances by Harris, Dean and Massey.

Now 50 years later, it is much more fondly remembered especially regarding Dean. Some think of this as his finest performance, not Rebel Without a Cause, not me though. He seems a bit too much in the physical style of Marlon Brando.

But perhaps the quintessential story demonstrating intergenerational longing, expectations and conflict. Kazan pushed the Cain and Abel parallel, but it has a much more redeeeming and bittersweet ending.