“East of Eden” is the story of two brothers whose life parallels that of Cain and Abel in the book of Genesis. James Dean’s portrayal of one of the brothers is legendary, where he demonstrates a wide acting range. Dean passed away at the age of 24 in September, 1955, several months after the release of “East of Eden,” his only major film up to that point. “Rebel Without a Cause” (1955) and “Giant” (1956) came out a short time later.
Director Elia Kazan (“On the Waterfront” 1954) expertly handled this motion picture that has become a classic. The sterling screenplay by Paul Osborn was adapted from John Steinbeck’s 1952 novel of the same name. The supporting cast is superb, including Julie Harris, Raymond Massey, Richard Davalos, Jo Van Fleet, Albert Dekker, Nick Dennis, Lois Smith, and Burl Ives as Sam the Sheriff.
“East of Eden” was successful in theatrical release for producer Elia Kazan and Warner Bros. Pictures. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, winning only one for Jo Van Fleet for Best Supporting Actress. The others were for Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Actor (James Dean, posthumous nomination).
East of Eden (1955)
cinema
My Review
“East of Eden” is the story of two brothers whose life parallels that of Cain and Abel in the book of Genesis. James Dean’s portrayal of one of the brothers is legendary, where he demonstrates a wide acting range. Dean passed away at the age of 24 in September, 1955, several months after the release of “East of Eden,” his only major film up to that point. “Rebel Without a Cause” (1955) and “Giant” (1956) came out a short time later.
Director Elia Kazan (“On the Waterfront” 1954) expertly handled this motion picture that has become a classic. The sterling screenplay by Paul Osborn was adapted from John Steinbeck’s 1952 novel of the same name. The supporting cast is superb, including Julie Harris, Raymond Massey, Richard Davalos, Jo Van Fleet, Albert Dekker, Nick Dennis, Lois Smith, and Burl Ives as Sam the Sheriff.
“East of Eden” was successful in theatrical release for producer Elia Kazan and Warner Bros. Pictures. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, winning only one for Jo Van Fleet for Best Supporting Actress. The others were for Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Actor (James Dean, posthumous nomination).