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East of Eden

Play trailer Poster for East of Eden PG Released Mar 9, 1955 1h 55m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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86% Tomatometer 43 Reviews 90% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
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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East of Eden

East of Eden

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 The 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 Read all reviews

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Audience Member It saddens me to see such an amazing book so poorly adapted. 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 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 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 Read all reviews
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Movie Info

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
Producer
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
Runtime
1h 55m
Sound Mix
Stereo
Aspect Ratio
35mm
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