East of Eden

Lest my dear readers think that the movies I review are only current, I must admit to reveling occasionally in old classics.

Back in 1955, the great director Elia Kazan got hold of a new young talent, James Dean, and made a masterpiece that would prove to defy time:  East of Eden.

In this colorized version, Steinbeck's novel comes to life.  No spoiler, of course, but the story is touching:  Two brothers vie for the love of their father, the love of a woman, and even the lost love of a distant mother.  Full of emotion and extraordinary acting, the film replays Cain and Abel in Monterey and Salinas in 1917.

The best reason to view the film is to see why James Dean captured viewers of his time.   Although he made only three major films, the actor seems to have played the young rebel with more heart and soul than any other actor, including the great Marlon Brando.  Today, posters of the handsome actor, who died in his mid 20s, hardly do justice to the talent of the star.

After viewing the film, I wonder why James Dean did not win an Oscar.  Probably the year the film was made says it all.  1955 was a very conservative time in America, when McCarthy and The Establishment ruled.  Perhaps the Academy was reticent to reward an actor for portraying a character who was fiercely independent and even amoral.

Anyway, they don't make 'em like this any more!  East of Eden is a must-view for anyone who has not seen the movie or might have forgotten its power.