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East of Eden
East of Eden
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East of Eden

East of Eden

1955
Drama
1h 58m
In the Salinas Valley, in and around World War I, Cal Trask feels he must compete against overwhelming odds with his brother Aron for the love of their father Adam. Cal is frustrated at every turn, from his reaction to the war, to how to get ahead in business and in life, to how to relate to estranged mother.

Directed by:

Elia Kazan

Screenwriter:

Paul Osborn, John Steinbeck

Starring:

Lois Smith, Jo Van Fleet, Timothy Carey, Raymond Massey, Burl Ives, Julie Harris, James Dean, Richard Davalos, Albert Dekker

Genre:

Drama

Country:

USA

Language:

English
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East of Eden

1955
Drama
1h 58m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 68.34% from 1175 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 27 May 2007
82
73rd
The examination of good and bad is surprisingly complex, as are the characters. The exception to this is Adra, a character too uniformly perfect to be easily digestible, and in typical Hollywood leading lady fashion is often shot through a soft, glowing haze. The cockeyed angles during the home scenes with the father were a bit much, too. But I liked everything else. Excellent dialogue, including a mighty fine monologue by Van Fleet.
Rated 27 May 2007
djrossdjross
Rated 25 Mar 2021
65
71st
Up to and including the birthday party scene, this is really quite strong, complex, interesting and subtle, but the final act is a little maudlin. But, watching my first James Dean movie in 2021 at the age of 50, and of course aware of his reputation, this viewer must admit to a degree of shock at how good this idol really was, conveying a brooding boyishness absent from his later imitators, and making perfectly understandable that every high school girl in America immediately fell in love.
Rated 25 Mar 2021
alex_watkinsAlex Watkins
Rated 02 Mar 2007
4
70th
Excellent adaptation of the Cain-and-Abel tale. This is my favorite Dean; it doesn't have the status of Rebel Without a Cause, and even though they're pretty similar, the drama in this seems more firmly rooted in reason rather than misguided rage (which, as well done as it is, seems a bit dated now).
Rated 02 Mar 2007
nobambanobamba
Rated 09 Jan 2024
70
76th
Haven't read the book so I don't know how much this follows the source material, or whether only including a part of the book makes sense. Between this and Rebel Without a Cause, James Dean had the market for teen angst cornered. Some of the melodrama seemed too much. Dean seemed to have mood swings, though it's not unbelievable. CinemaScope made this really beautiful. The angled shots were noticeable and set a mood. Fav scene: speaking with mom about $5,000 loan.
Rated 09 Jan 2024
iconogassediconogassed
Rated 07 Sep 2021
80
74th
Watching again after seeing James Bridges' superb SEPTEMBER 30, 1955 and reading certain criticisms of Dean's acting, an exchange from the later film comes to mind: "A lot of people say he was an imitation Marlon Brando." / "A lot of people are jealous and full of shit."
Rated 07 Sep 2021
damildamil
Rated 18 Jan 2012
75
81st
Like a lot of movies from the 1950s, this was quite basic on the surface. Yet it had much deeper underpinnings. It started off fairly light but got progressively darker and darker towards the end. It contained some nice anti-war sentiments. It was well-shot and the cinematography was great. James Dean was fantastic. It actually reminded me of Rebel Without a Cause (1955), especially in relation to Dean's character.
Rated 18 Jan 2012
gigglestickGigglestick
Rated 28 Apr 2008
55
43rd
James Dean wanted sooo badly to be Marlon Brando, who never gave Dean the time of day. Method actors were bitchy like that. In this movie, Dean's first, he plays the bad son who becomes industrious and tries to buy his father's love through a loan from his whorehouse owning mother. I love the Dean mystique, but he just wasn't that good of an actor. While this is better than Rebel Without A Cause, his last feature, Giant, is the only Dean movie that showed his promise and versatility as an actor.
Rated 28 Apr 2008
farzanFarzan
Rated 06 Feb 2008
87
86th
East of Eden is a very sad, and heartbreaking film. It expertly shows Cal's relationship with his family and his brothers girlfriend. James Dean in a performance of a lifetime, especially considering that this was his first film. Terrific direction by Kazan, and great acting by Dean and the supporting cast, make this a worthy adaptation of the book, and a tale to be told to all.
Rated 06 Feb 2008
henrikHenrik
Rated 04 Dec 2013
85
90th
I like the way Kazan, in this as well as in many of his other films, keep intensifying the different filmic elements, from the tilted camera angles to the intense acting and juxtaposed music, so as to shake us up even shock us with the story - almost like a horror film. At the same time the acting is more down-to-earth than you usually see in this period in Hollywood. Considering the source material the film is also done with great pacing.
Rated 04 Dec 2013
glumpy99glumpy_99
Rated 25 Oct 2012
46
9th
Well directed but ultimately tedious and heavy-handed film, not helped by an atrociously mannered and unconvincing performance by Dean and bad miscasting of Harris as the virginal sweetheart. Massey has a few good moments but is limited by the narrow confines of his character; Kazan does employ some interesting directorial flourishes but it is all for naught. Regarded in many quarters as an iconic classic, so it may be a matter of taste.
Rated 25 Oct 2012
wetwillieswetwillies
Rated 17 Jul 2011
100
98th
RIP James Dean. you were fuckin awesome.
Rated 17 Jul 2011
fredericg54frederic_g54
Rated 29 Mar 2009
8
78th
James Dean gives an inspiring performance, reminiscent of Paul Newman in "Cool Hand Luke" and a young Marlon Brando. The film itself is excellent (to a lesser extent), modestly examining the nature of coexistence against a backdrop of existential angst (without being sappy or overly dramatic). Recommended.
Rated 29 Mar 2009
philipPhilip
Rated 23 Jun 2008
86
93rd
The chemistry between Harris and Dean is almost touchable. Great film.
Rated 23 Jun 2008
cinemaveriteCinemaVerite
Rated 07 Mar 2008
40
34th
Not nearly as fascinating as the book. James Dean's legend is a critical halo around the piece but not a veritable one. Feeling like the less-loved child is bad, but not moving enough for the scripts clumsy look at the pivotal Kate character
Rated 07 Mar 2008
magbMagb
Rated 31 Dec 2007
80
61st
The story is a classic. Steinbeck didn't try to hide the story's Biblical parallels, and you can understand why people accuse it of being unsubtle in this respect. What it basically is, though, is an update of the original story. It takes the basic chain of events and the basic character archetypes and fleshes them out more. For instance, instead of Cain killing Abel outright we have him indirectly causes his brother's demise.
Rated 31 Dec 2007
stainStain
Rated 08 Apr 2007
100
95th
Awesome! James Dean is how we all feel when we're adolescents
Rated 08 Apr 2007
brrrpbrrrp
Rated 19 Feb 2024
60
39th
An interesting and not conventional picture. I was never that sold on Dean's acting abilities, which are underdeveloped. Perhaps he could have been great if he'd had the chance. From what I've seen of Kazan, he has a curious tendency for a naivety in the script, an innocence, but dealing with a lot of serious and difficult themes in the subtext.
Rated 19 Feb 2024
hadleyreisHadleyreis
Rated 11 Nov 2023
81
79th
A missed opportunity for a 5-hour epic.
Rated 11 Nov 2023
moraesfelipemoraesfelipe
Rated 05 Aug 2022
65
61st
Wow, that's a whole lotta dady issues.
Rated 05 Aug 2022
twincinematwincinema
Rated 25 Jul 2022
90
92nd
Melodramatic (this is a ringing endorsement from me). James Dean gives such an emotionally volatile performance. James Dean makes some capital-C Choices. However, I could have done without the swinging dutch angle shot. Y'know, I can now see what Tommy Wiseau was attempting to do in the Room.
Rated 25 Jul 2022
doyler29doyler29
Rated 03 Jul 2022
90
87th
What I really love here is James Dean. His screen debut is a revelation. He's so odd and distinctive without feeling like he's doing things in order to be odd or stand-out. It's a remarkably emotional and effective performance. I give equal credit to Julie Harris who is extremely good acting against such an odd performance.
Rated 03 Jul 2022
vandelay1Vandelay1
Rated 30 May 2022
39
33rd
not so good
Rated 30 May 2022
nathanbatesNathanBates
Rated 13 Nov 2021
60
36th
I never quite bought into Dean's man-child acting; regardless, he steals the show here by being tremendously awkward in all situations. For a film with a rich literary source, the characters feel a little too one-note as they all try to figure out their disjointed relationships.
Rated 13 Nov 2021
ol44893OL44893
Rated 28 Oct 2021
100
99th
Of course, it's a great movie, James Dean is super hot and everything. Saw on the big screen, can't miss it being expressively shot and one of the most beautifully composed films ever made. Popping colors, endless vistas, small-town scene perfection. Its heart and soul, ideals from the novel; how loving people, and places, transcends those who try and stop it. Not a "book" vs "movie" person, but; Kate/Cath, interesting. The voice-dubbing is really stink. Practically perfect in every way.
Rated 28 Oct 2021
prestobixPrestoBix
Rated 04 Feb 2021
86
82nd
Seen 2x
Rated 04 Feb 2021
jpfergusonJPFerguson
Rated 03 Dec 2020
65
66th
While the source material is obviously of high quality and Kazan's directing is mostly commendable, the main strength of this film is also its greatest weakness; Dean makes everyone else's performances pale in comparison. And he is really only just getting warmed up as the 'adolescent misfit' for 'Rebel Without A Cause' which is soon to follow (a much better film). Jo Van Fleet is the only exception, she holds her own against Dean, indeed the '$5000' scene is the high point of the film.
Rated 03 Dec 2020
closedmouthclosedmouth
Rated 18 Jan 2020
80
69th
I became progressively less interested the more overwrought and sentimental it got, but it started out pretty great. Van Fleet's terrific, Harris not so much.
Rated 18 Jan 2020
neonmanNeonman
Rated 12 Aug 2019
70
38th
The 2nd of 3 James Dean films I've seen and he's not exactly the rebellious and estranged teen heart-throb that he must've been at the time. In fact, his early characterisation, going from meandering loiterer to someone with a keen hinge in the job market was respectable and identifiable. Much of the film from that point on is reasonably good, though doesn't have much of a spark to make it escape its wooden conventionality.
Rated 12 Aug 2019
insan3Insan3
Rated 09 Jun 2019
90
89th
Some great acting in this film, aside from Dean I was most enraptured by Harris and Fleet. I was actually more into Cal's relationships with the women than his father.
Rated 09 Jun 2019
fra_paolofra paolo
Rated 29 Mar 2019
31
24th
James Dean chews on some handsome scenery.
Rated 29 Mar 2019
90scoffee90sCoffee
Rated 07 Aug 2018
80
86th
Emotionally enormous
Rated 07 Aug 2018
montycircusMontyCircus
Rated 26 Jul 2018
20
12th
I only vaguely remember seeing this, and apparently forgot to rate it on my websites. But I rated it poorly on my TiVo.
Rated 26 Jul 2018
tsvetetsvete
Rated 06 Nov 2016
96
78th
~5
Rated 06 Nov 2016
qwershadyqwershady
Rated 01 Mar 2016
82
93rd
Elias Kazancıoğlu BİATCH!!! ONE OF THE GREATEST DİRECTOR OF ALL TİME. even at 1955 he put many nuances that is still current now. And characters at the movie was quite original
Rated 01 Mar 2016
tonykbTonyKB
Rated 20 Dec 2014
80
63rd
James Dean er skikkelig kul som en slags kopi av Marlon Brandon i denne. Enkelte scener hadde svært interessant regi, jeg tenker spesielt på scenene rundt middagsbordet med det skråstilte kameraet og den ene scenen der Dean husker. Litt vanskelig å følge motivasjonen til brorens kjæreste, og den klarte ikke helt å etablere hvorfor forholdene mellom personene i filmen endret seg trass i den lange spilletiden. Uansett en flott film jeg er glad for å ha sett.
Rated 20 Dec 2014
dougiedDougieD
Rated 22 Nov 2013
60
23rd
Allegorical drama that is well made and features very strong acting - particularly from James Dean in his debut - but it only tells a small portion of the novel's story and feels incomplete. Just decent when it could have been something more.
Rated 22 Nov 2013
glm01glm01
Rated 22 Sep 2013
85
83rd
85.000
Rated 22 Sep 2013
karamazovkaramazov.
Rated 04 Jul 2013
52
70th
Haven't seen this for years, and probably over-scored, cos James Dean.
Rated 04 Jul 2013
quez2goquez2go
Rated 23 Jun 2012
86
85th
A major favorite of my adolescent years and the best James Dean film (and performance).
Rated 23 Jun 2012
comepeliculacomepelicula
Rated 04 Jun 2012
95
98th
This movie is absolutely great, it has a complex story with many layers that really drags you into the lives of their characters, Elia's direction is incredible and you can really see how he gets the best out of his actors specially James Dean witch portraits a rebel confused youth incredible well his story really sticks to you after you finish the film.
Rated 04 Jun 2012
llettiereLLettiere
Rated 16 Mar 2012
95
79th
There is just something always so special and strangely unique with James Dean. He takes a character to the next level every time. Strongly enjoyed this film.
Rated 16 Mar 2012
hulothulot
Rated 12 Mar 2012
100
96th
watched: 2012, 2017
Rated 12 Mar 2012
wayofthegunwayofthegun
Rated 26 Feb 2012
85
78th
Great saga about dissension amongst family members in the early 20th century. I found it somewhat similar to another James Dean classic (Giant), but East of Eden is still a fine movie in its own right.
Rated 26 Feb 2012
theyshoot11theyshoot11
Rated 30 Nov 2011
70
40th
#610
Rated 30 Nov 2011
actionbergActionberg
Rated 14 Aug 2011
80
71st
This is certainly a different beast than its source material, but it's still very cohesive and deft in expressing a contemporary biblical parable. The highlight has got to be the elegant interiors, with plenty of space on the walls to drape characters' shadows across. They haunt its denizens like their own imperfections, and by the end they come to accept the kind of people they are. Kazan always proves what a pro he is, and James Dean is magnificently complex as Cal Trask.
Rated 14 Aug 2011
rufamRufam
Rated 08 Jul 2011
85
93rd
"East of Eden" is memorable in every aspect -from Kazan's sublime direction to an expertly written, sharply observant and fearlessly honest script and of course the seminal acting. Dean's antisocial and delinquent Cal is one of the most iconic characters ever, while the rest of the cast is also excellent. I found myself profoundly invested in the fates of the characters -that's why I was so affected by their woes. The final scene was awfully corny though -and the overwrought score didn't help.
Rated 08 Jul 2011
rant1229rant1229
Rated 22 May 2011
4
69th
I wonder what reputation this picture would have if it were separated from James Dean. The film is a little unfocused (even for a 50's melodrama) and it gets a little lost in the area between intimacy and epicness). Of course it is inseparable from James Dean who dominates every scene of the film. His performance is something to behold and easily overcomes any of the movie's shortcomings.
Rated 22 May 2011
glmglm
Rated 10 Jan 2011
86
83rd
86.375
Rated 10 Jan 2011
moribunnyMoribunny
Rated 17 Oct 2010
65
65th
Let's face it, this is remembered mainly as the first of three James Dean vehicles, that is, the film that launched his short-lived superstardom. A melodrama, but also one of Elia Kazan's more decent efforts. The plot is subdued and slow to unravel but quite complex and different.
Rated 17 Oct 2010
nathan_sNathan S
Rated 08 Sep 2010
3
45th
It's the same sort of angsty, black sheep role we saw Dean play in Rebel Without a Cause, but this character is more nuanced and sympathetic. It's a fantastic performance, as if you can see his thoughts running a mile a minute. Most of the supporting cast isn't quite as impressive, and there are times when it flirts with nauseating sentimentality, but this movie is mostly enjoyable.
Rated 08 Sep 2010
icarusIcarus
Rated 20 Apr 2010
70
40th
An engaging classic with another stand-out performance from James Dean, but ultimately a film that's conclusion feels rushed and more than a bit tacked on. The build-up of the rivalry between the two brothers, however, is excellently done, complete with biblical undertones and fawning, confused girl. The strongest scene of the film is probably Cal's meeting with his mother, as Kazan allows silences in their exchange to reveal their discomfort, nervousness, and affection for each other.
Rated 20 Apr 2010
billkerwinbillkerwin
Rated 01 Feb 2010
92
89th
Great performances in one of the best literary adaptations of a great novel.
Rated 01 Feb 2010
yesistastyyesistasty
Rated 18 Jan 2010
67
15th
James Dean's performance is fantastic. Combined with evocative and meaningful cinematography, East of Eden is a great movie. However, it's sadly brought down by some hammy acting.
Rated 18 Jan 2010
theyshoot10theyshoot10
Rated 15 Jan 2010
70
40th
603
Rated 15 Jan 2010
tassodouradotassodourado
Rated 04 Jan 2010
95
94th
Grande metafora da relação entre pais e filhos.
Rated 04 Jan 2010
jstryjstry
Rated 25 Sep 2009
86
80th
Dean was captivating and really owned the role of Cal. Harris was great too. I didn't expect to like this since it skips so far ahead in the book, but I wound up liking it a lot and would gladly sit through it again. The Bible parallels are a little over my head, but even without them, it's a great story -- Steinbeck's best as far as I'm concerned.
Rated 25 Sep 2009
rthornhillrthornhill
Rated 10 Apr 2009
87
56th
think Cain and Abel in Salinas Valley, CA.....
Rated 10 Apr 2009
seryxaSeryxa
Rated 10 Apr 2009
50
67th
Turgid elaboration of Genesis with strong character but nowhere to go. Heavily over-directed and rousingly acted.
Rated 10 Apr 2009
theyshoot08theyshoot08
Rated 19 Dec 2008
71
42nd
583
Rated 19 Dec 2008
theyshoot07theyshoot07
Rated 02 Mar 2008
69
50th
# 621
Rated 02 Mar 2008
aushabfanaus_hab_fan
Rated 14 Aug 2007
88
95th
Love James Dean, one of his best (haha, not much to choose from though)
Rated 14 Aug 2007

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