East of Eden

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Lisa L After reading the book, I can not recommend watching the movie. There are so many elements of the book that are left out. The supporting character in the book, "Lee," isn't even part of the movie. Not sure why. The ending is missing so much. Very disappointed! Rated 1/5 Stars •  Rated 1 out of 5 stars 07/09/25 Full Review Audience Member It saddens me to see such an amazing book so poorly adapted. Rated 1/5 Stars •  Rated 1 out of 5 stars 08/26/24 Full Review James E One of the great film classics. James Dean establishes him self in this film. Based on the second half of the John Steinbeck novel of the same name. It does an excellent job of telling the story on film The supporting cast is outstanding, including Julie Harris, Raymond Massey, Brul Ives and JoVan Fleet, who won best supporting actress. The film was shot in the Monterey, California location, where the story takes place. A true 5 star rating. Don't miss this one. and some of the characters truly memorable. It was shot where the story took place in Monterey, California a wonderful setting. A true five star film that holds up well. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/25/24 Full Review 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 5/5 Stars •  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 1/5 Stars •  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 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/25/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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