https://thecineviewer.com/eastofeden.html
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — Film and Television Discussion
JohnnyBoy — 1 year ago(February 11, 2025 08:25 PM)
https://thecineviewer.com/eastofeden.html
For tons of movie reviews, 60+ genre lists, best of the year lists, and other content, check out:
www.thecineviewer.com -
MissMargoChanning — 1 year ago(February 11, 2025 08:34 PM)
I keep seeing reviews from you. It would be nice if you would copy and paste your reviews.
I don't click on links here.
I do enjoy a number of the movies you have posted about.
You asked a pretty question; I've given you the ugly answer.
Fasten Your Seatbelts….
It's Going To Be A Bumpy Night! -
MissMargoChanning — 1 year ago(February 11, 2025 09:32 PM)
Thank you!
EDIT: I just realized that you aren't Johnny Boy, the OP. You were kind enough to copy and paste the link though…
I will have to tag Johnny!
@JohnnyBoy
This is certainly a very well thought out review.
you are probably right about the film only surviving because of James Dean because most fans know of him in three films.
He died when I was a baby. I had never heard of him until my late teens. I hadn't heard of or seen the movie until my mid 20s.
I did read the book in high school, and thought it was great.
What's unclear is the focal point. Is it about the father-son relationship? The mother-son relationship? The treatment of the Germans? The protest against World War I? The financial crisis à la The Grapes of Wrath? Abra's doomed relationship with Cal just like Susannah's ill-advised love for Tristan? Cal's fight with his brother? In short, the direction is all over the map. However, I love the cinematography of the California scenery although it was actually shot on location in Mendocino.
I believe that the the focal point is the relationship between the father and both of his sons and the circumstances under which they lived.
As for the cast, I didn't mind Jo Van Fleet. I thought she fit the part perfectly, although that isn't how I pictured her when reading the book. As for the Oscar win? Who was up against her? Maybe she canceled out two good performances… Who knows with the Oscars?
I agree about Julie Harris being too old for the role… same with her role as Frankie in The Member of the Wedding. She seemed more like an older sister to both Aron and Cal.
As for my opinion of James Dean's performance, I think it was a bit over the top, but the method acting did work when he had scenes with Raymond Massey, who played his father.
I understand that Massey didn't understand method acting. It confused him. He was old school in his approach, so it actually worked in both actor's favor, because the father was confused by his son's ways.
I disagree with your assessment of Elia Kazan. Personally, I enjoy a number of his films.
A Tree Grows In Brooklyn
Splendor in the Grass
A Face In the Crowd
A Streetcar Named Desire
Gentleman's Agreement
Baby Doll
Granted, there were a few stinkers, but I didn't think he did so bad with East of Eden.
I just think that the style in which he directed it is a sign of the times. [
All in all, I enjoyed reading your review. Thanks again for copying and pasting the link…Much appreciated!
You asked a pretty question; I've given you the ugly answer.
Fasten Your Seatbelts….
It's Going To Be A Bumpy Night! -
JohnnyBoy — 1 year ago(February 11, 2025 10:06 PM)
No problem, thanks.
For tons of movie reviews, 60+ genre lists, best of the year lists, and other content, check out:
www.thecineviewer.com