It's the same sort of angsty, black sheep role we saw Dean play in Rebel Without a Cause, but this character is more nuanced and sympathetic. It's a fantastic performance, as if you can see his thoughts running a mile a minute. Most of the supporting cast isn't quite as impressive, and there are times when it flirts with nauseating sentimentality, but this movie is mostly enjoyable.

Let's face it, this is remembered mainly as the first of three James Dean vehicles, that is, the film that launched his short-lived superstardom. A melodrama, but also one of Elia Kazan's more decent efforts. The plot is subdued and slow to unravel but quite complex and different.

Grande metafora da relação entre pais e filhos.

James Dean's performance is fantastic. Combined with evocative and meaningful cinematography, East of Eden is a great movie. However, it's sadly brought down by some hammy acting.

603

Dean was captivating and really owned the role of Cal. Harris was great too. I didn't expect to like this since it skips so far ahead in the book, but I wound up liking it a lot and would gladly sit through it again. The Bible parallels are a little over my head, but even without them, it's a great story -- Steinbeck's best as far as I'm concerned.

An engaging classic with another stand-out performance from James Dean, but ultimately a film that's conclusion feels rushed and more than a bit tacked on. The build-up of the rivalry between the two brothers, however, is excellently done, complete with biblical undertones and fawning, confused girl. The strongest scene of the film is probably Cal's meeting with his mother, as Kazan allows silences in their exchange to reveal their discomfort, nervousness, and affection for each other.

Great performances in one of the best literary adaptations of a great novel.

86.375

There are elements of mastery in this lopsided affair, but the characters lurch so widely between moods and opinions that their progression is difficult to identify with, and this alienation has a chilling effect on the film's power. I think the fear of evil in oneself is a legitimate and intriguing theme, but I wish this depiction of it were a little less stilted and a little more genuine.

#610

Great saga about dissension amongst family members in the early 20th century. I found it somewhat similar to another James Dean classic (Giant), but East of Eden is still a fine movie in its own right.

There is just something always so special and strangely unique with James Dean. He takes a character to the next level every time. Strongly enjoyed this film.

Would be nothing without James Dean.

This is certainly a different beast than its source material, but it's still very cohesive and deft in expressing a contemporary biblical parable. The highlight has got to be the elegant interiors, with plenty of space on the walls to drape characters' shadows across. They haunt its denizens like their own imperfections, and by the end they come to accept the kind of people they are. Kazan always proves what a pro he is, and James Dean is magnificently complex as Cal Trask.