East of Eden (1955)
If you watch the 1981 miniseries first, you’ll know why the 1955 film is “loosely” based off John Steinbeck’s novel. Given the constraints of the Hays Code, it’s no wonder certain elements of the story had to be cut out and saved for thirty years. In essence, this version focuses on the relationship between two young brothers and their disapproving father. James Dean, who had made a name for himself making television movies in the first half of the decade, made a splash in his first theatrical lead. He’s the brooding, moody, emotional son with deep hurt feelings that his father, Raymond Massey, shows blatant favoritism to his brother, Richard Davalos. Time after time, Dean tries to earn his father’s love, but it’s a lost cause. Who can forget the heartbreaking scene when Massey rebuffs not only his son’s hard-earned money but his physical embrace? You all know the famous story behind that scene, and if you want to see it recreated, check out James Franco in the fantastic TNT biopic James Dean.
In each of his rebellious teen roles, you can easily see Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift, or Paul Newman in his place, so it’s no surprise that each of those three actors were considered for East of Eden. Dean eventually won out because he was the youngest, and his explosive emotional energy made its mark on the big screen. Nominated for Best Actor at the Oscars and awarded a posthumous Golden Globe, James Dean’s performance will stand out in everyone’s memory as one of the greatest that lost an Oscar. I’ve always regarded 1955 as the greatest tragedy in Oscar history. At least James Dean was in good company: he, Frank Sinatra, and James Cagney all lost to Ernest Borgnine.
I know this movie is a classic, but it’s not one that’s fun to watch over and over again. It’s a John Steinbeck story; it’s enormously sad and depressing! I like listening to Leonard Rosenman’s beautiful, tragic music better than actually sitting down and watching the movie.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More James Dean movies here!
In each of his rebellious teen roles, you can easily see Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift, or Paul Newman in his place, so it’s no surprise that each of those three actors were considered for East of Eden. Dean eventually won out because he was the youngest, and his explosive emotional energy made its mark on the big screen. Nominated for Best Actor at the Oscars and awarded a posthumous Golden Globe, James Dean’s performance will stand out in everyone’s memory as one of the greatest that lost an Oscar. I’ve always regarded 1955 as the greatest tragedy in Oscar history. At least James Dean was in good company: he, Frank Sinatra, and James Cagney all lost to Ernest Borgnine.
I know this movie is a classic, but it’s not one that’s fun to watch over and over again. It’s a John Steinbeck story; it’s enormously sad and depressing! I like listening to Leonard Rosenman’s beautiful, tragic music better than actually sitting down and watching the movie.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thanks "Classic Movies Kristine Rose" for posting!
More James Dean movies here!
Hot Toasty Rag Nominations:
Best Actor of 1955: James Dean
Best Dramatic Screenplay
Best Musical Score: Leonard Rosenman