East of Eden

PG

Released Mar 9, 1955

1 hr. 55 min.

Drama

List

86%

43 Reviews

Tomatometer

90%

10,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

In this film based on John Steinbeck's epic novel, Cal Trask (James Dean), the son of a California farmer (Raymond Massey), feels that his father cares only about his brother, Aron (Richard Davalos). When Cal embarks on a business venture to gain the favor of his dad, he finds himself dealing with his estranged mother (Jo Van Fleet), now the owner of a brothel, and tensions in the family rise even further when he begins to fall for Aron's girlfriend, Abra (Julie Harris).

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Critics Consensus

East of Eden strains to swell its story to epic dimensions, but James Dean's riveting performance gives this CinemaScope drama much of its raging heart.

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Blu B

All Time Classic. James Dean carries this film with an amazing performance filled with angst, charisma, and pain. Harris is really good and his father and mother are excellent as well. The cinematography is exceptional and has plenty of epic shots, color, mood, and balances going between epic and intimiate beautifully. The editing is excellent always staying focused on Cal. The music is really good also and this is paced very well. If I had any real complaints it has to do with the more nuance things not getting as much focus. Like Cal and his brothers relationship and things like the German guy are well done but they feel hammed in at times. When we see Cal have drama sometimes it feels a little out of nowhere with Aron as we don't see much of it. And while I haven't read the book, I can tell some things were probably removed here and there at the expense of keeping this more focused probably. But the direction and performances are so strong it powers through that. Everyone should give this a try once.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/10/24

Full Review

jamie J

NOTHING like the book !! It's a shameful adaptation. It starts like 2/3 the way through Steinbeck"s version . Those who ranked the movie high haven't read it . Two thumbs down

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

12/20/23

Full Review

darren m

There can be no greater film. It was way ahead of its time emotionally and boasts some of the finest acting ever to behold on this planet. James Dean sealed his legacy within the first five minutes of this gloriously directed classic. A film like this, despite it not being an accurate representation of the masterful book, will live on forever. People often say James Dean made the film great, which is true to a degree. But the film also made James Dean a star, because of its dramatic content that was perfect for Dean. Raymond Massey and Richard Davelos also give performances for the ages. And then there is JoAnn Fleet who won an Oscar for the role. There can't be a better cast, nor creative team, nor soundtrack. For what the film is, it is perfect. It doesn't matter to me how much change they made from the book. It is done so well. If the ending doesn't make you weep, nothing much will. And you will be in tears a couple of times prior, all due to the script but mostly James Dean's acting. This film alone cemented a fan base for Dean. The two other films released AFTER his death are equal classics, but nothing quite matches the dramatic power of East of Eden. I've never seen its emotional equal, personally. And I've seen a lot of films.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/25/23

Full Review

Kyle C

East of Eden still holds up as one of the greats. The second part of John Steinbeck's novel is masterfully brought to life by Elia Kazan, anchored by remarkable performances from James Dean, Raymond Massey, and Jo Van Fleet. This is a film that will endure through time, with a heart-wrenching and relatable story of family, overcoming expectations, and finding your own path forward.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/24/23

Full Review

Merick H

One of my all time favorites. James Dean is incredible in this beautiful and deep film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/13/23

Full Review

Wyatt M

Great dramatic performances from all involved. Awesome film. One of the classics.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/01/23

Full Review

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Elia Kazan

Director

James Dean

Cal Trask

Julie Harris

Abra

Raymond Massey

Adam Trask

Jo Van Fleet

Kate

Burl Ives

Sam the Sheriff

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Basil Taylor

Sight & Sound

The film ends on a flagrant miscalculation which typifies Kazan at his worst.

Mar 17, 2020

Full Review

Pauline Kael

New Yorker

It's far from a dull movie, but it's certainly a very strange one; it's an enshrinement of the mixed-up kid.

Jan 3, 2018

Full Review

Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

John Steinbeck's painful biblical allegory -- Genesis replayed in Monterey, California, circa 1917 -- is more palatable on the screen, thanks to the down-to-earth performances of James Dean as Cal/Cain and Richard Davalos as Aron/Abel.

Nov 1, 2007

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

After testing various performers (including a newcomer named Paul Newman), Elia Kazan went with the unknown James Dean, a move that immediately yielded dividends.

Rated: 3.5/4

Aug 10, 2023

Full Review

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

The film is set in 1917 but Dean feels completely modern and contemporary, a boy not quite comfortable in his body.

Jun 11, 2023

Full Review

Jason Delgado

Film Threat

Jimmy Dean, as they called him, will stand the test of time due to his powerful on-screen presence because once a star is born on celluloid, they live on forever.

Rated: 7/10

Apr 6, 2023

Full Review

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Synopsis

In this film based on John Steinbeck's epic novel, Cal Trask (James Dean), the son of a California farmer (Raymond Massey), feels that his father cares only about his brother, Aron (Richard Davalos). When Cal embarks on a business venture to gain the favor of his dad, he finds himself dealing with his estranged mother (Jo Van Fleet), now the owner of a brothel, and tensions in the family rise even further when he begins to fall for Aron's girlfriend, Abra (Julie Harris).

Director: Elia Kazan
Screenwriter: Paul Osborn, John Steinbeck
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Production Co: Warner Brothers
Rating: PG (Thematic Elements|Some Violent Content)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 9, 1955, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 31, 2007
Sound Mix: Stereo
Aspect Ratio: 35mm

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