Rating: 
Summary: Even after 50 years it has the power to hurt
Review: It seems odd to me that Nicholas Ray's 'Rebel Without A Cause' is the movie that everyone thinks of in association with James Dean, when 'East of Eden' is by far the better film in terms of acting, direction, cinematography and story line. What is also odd is how director Kazan created such a sensitive and compassionate movie with incredible depth of understanding when he regarded both James Dean and main character Cal as "self-pitying, self-dramatizing good-for-nothings". But then nothing about the phenomena surrounding James Dean makes sense, and so the underlying irony of this film, and the obvious tensions it brought to the production that enhanced the emotions onscreen, is perhaps to be merited.Dean's first, and greatest, big screen outing is a masterpiece of intrigue, emotion and style, in which our heart breaks as often as the chief protagaonist's, misunderstood, unloved Cal. The tension between father-figure Massey and black-sheep Dean, reportedly a dislike that existed off-set and was exploited by Kazan, is a fully-realised element that is as powerful as it is heart-rending. Dean plays the archetypal rebel with much more soul than he would later bring to the role of Jim Stark, and our empathy with the character as he tries to win his father's affections despite knowing he is bad is what makes this movie so remarkable. With Cal we feel the hope and expectation, the suspense and anxiety, and with him we feel the hurt and confusion as good-natured brother Aron steals his father's love time and time again. I would defy anyone who claims that they can watch the scene in which Cal gives his father his birthday present without riding a rollercoaster of emotions that begin with longing, move through dejection, sink to tragically futile hope, and then end in bitter despair. It is perhaps one of the most powerful scenes of any Classical Hollywood film, and most certainly Dean's finest moment in his unfortunately short career. Obviously, 'East of Eden' has to trim back from Steinbeck's far-reaching novel, but it is a tight, concise and infinitely moving adaptation. Dean's portrayal aside, the acting all round is incredibly strong; even minor characters who have perhaps a minute of screen time leave a lasting impression on the viewer. Added to this, an emotive score, an involving story, high-quality camerawork and stunning scenery set in and around the Salinas Valley area of California make 'East of Eden' something to be treasured, a work of immeasurable historical and emotional value, and a movie that truly lives up to the poignant and idealised James Dean legend.
Rating: 
Summary: JAMES DEAN WAS A GREAT ACTOR.
Review: It's a shame that James Dean died so young, he was a great actor, and "East Of Eden" is a good example of that. "East Of Eden" tells the story of a family in California, in the World War I period; Cal (James Dean) is the rebel son, Aaron (Dick Davalos) is the "good" son, and Adam (Raymond Massey) is the father, an old-fashioned farmer. One day, Cal finds out that his mother, who is supposed to be dead, is actually alive and she is as rebel and "mean" as he is. So Cal starts a mission to win his father's love and comprehension, with disastrous results, that end up with a Cain & Abel kind of situation. Perhaps the movie has aged a bit, but that doesn't prevent "East Of Eden" to be a classic, and above all, one of the few films that featured the great James Dean. He is, of course, the soul of the movie, sometimes he seems like a young Marlon Brando. But the rest of the cast is good and the movie is a classic.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Performance from James Dean
Review: James Dean gave such a realistic approach of the feeling of being an outsider within a family and reaching for acceptance and love! Outstanding
Rating:
Summary: True James Dean
Review: James Dean has been made into an icon, a ghost, a symbol of rebellion and angst. What gets lost in all of this star-worship, is that Dean was not only a man, but a truly talented actor, worthy of all the acolades that were given him during the brief span of his life. All of this is exemplified in the gem that is, East of Eden. Must be seen, and reckoned with. Truly a performance that rises above the flaws of the material. Timeless.
Rating:
Summary: the finest acting you'll ever see...
Review: Just the screen presence alone of Julie Harris and James Dean assured this film a place in history. The supporting cast is also superb, with Raymond Massey as the "always right" father and Jo Van Fleet marvelous in her Oscar winning role as the long gone mother. The charisma and beauty of Julie Harris is breathtaking...one of the world's greatest actresses (she has received 5 Tony awards for her stage work, more than any other actor !), she's radiant in this, and the "lunchtime in the field" scene with Dean is a memorable gem. James Dean is overwhelming as Cal. This is one of the all time great performances. Brilliant and layered, you will see more of its perfection with each viewing. More than plot, this film is about emotions, and with two such expressive actors, and Elia Kazan as director, this beautiful film is one to own and treasure.
Rating:
Summary: A Powerhouse
Review: Lightning in a bottle - that's James Dean at his quirky best in "East of Eden". Fans may prefer "Rebel Without a Cause" as Dean's ultimate showcase, but nothing tops this, his initial screen appearance. Here he's in a dynamic face-off with his thespic opposite - the classically trained Raymond Massey, as the father. They play off one another brilliantly. Massey seems genuinely perplexed by the eccentric Dean whose off-screen antics matched those on film. Fortunately, this combination deepens the movie's core, resulting in an uncommon emotional powerhouse, driven by Dean's intense expressive yearning. Brilliant too, is Julie Harris, still looking like a teenager at thirty. Watch her scenes with Dean, especially in the farm field, where she too appears fascinated with Dean, the person. Again, the results are electric. (Whatever happened to Dean's movie brother, that credible performer, Richard Davalos, whose subsequent career appears blighted by the shadow of genius.) Often overlooked but contributing greatly - Leonard Rosenman's fine dramatic score, alternately lyrical then jarring in the manner of the movie itself, and Jo Van Fleet's commanding turn, her scenes the only ones Kazan's camera does not allow Dean to dominate. The film has many emotional highlights, not including an over-wrought closing. Despite the latter, it's an intensity that endures. Director Elia Kazan may have been a treacherous friend, but his artistry with actors remains undeniable. The film however remains Dean's ultimate showcase. Don't miss it.
Rating:
Summary: a powerful performance by James Dean
Review: loved it all. I loved how the way James Dean did his person very well in this movie. Eli Kazan did a great job of directing it. especially in some of the scenes where James Dean is on the swing talking to his father or the emotional fight between brothers or the ferris wheel kissing scene. arguably Dean's best film. like his others he creates a character we all want to hate or love or appreciate and he does it in a fantastic way. probabyl my favortie old movie
Rating:
Summary: Kazan as Cain
Review: Many people don't realize when they are watching this film that, like On the Waterfront, they are watching a semi-autobiographical story about director Elia Kazan. Allow me to explain. East of Eden tells the story of a boy named Cal Trask and his attempts to win the love of his father Adam Trask. Adam prefers his other son Aaron, the "good" son over Cal the "bad" son. The names Cal and Aaron obviously bring to mind Cain and Abel from the Bible. Adding to the emotional fireworks, Cal finds himself increasingly attracted to Aaron's fiancee Abra. Cal's attempts to win the love and approval of everyone around him are frustrated at every turn as everyone considers him bad. The film is set in Salinas, California in 1917 as America is about to enter the First World War. Kazan grew up in the company of a disapproving father who never missed the opportunity to remind him that he preferred his siblings. His nickname for Kazan: Good-for-nothing. Later in Hollywood, Kazan would famously cooperate with HUAC in their horrific witch hunt. This earned him the disapproval and outrage of many other filmmakers who never forgave Kazan for his appalling acts. Thus it was not a coincidence that East of Eden was made in the years following Kazan's HUAC testimony. Nor is it a coincidence that Kazan chose to focus on the Cain character when he adapted John Steinbeck's enormous novel. Kazan made a moving and poetic film about an ostrasized and misunderstood young man struggling against what he believes to be his innate nature. The neurotic James Dean (in his first starring role), was ideally cast as Kazan's alter ego. The film's lush colour photography and beautiful Leonard Rosenman score add to the emotional charge. When is this film coming out on DVD?
Rating:
Summary: Begging for DVD!
Review: Of the three James Dean films, this is the best of the three. After all, Elia Kazan directed it. As just as potent and relevant today, especially in terms of the family breakdown and the pain and confusion of adolescence, it features one of the most memorable debuts by an actor ever. This of course being one James Byron Dean. With its beautiful widescreen photography, it is a classic film that will benefit greatly from a DVD release, especially when you consider that Dean's other two films are already available on disc, and that on the video version of East Of Eden, nearly every frame clearly features characters cut in half or completely missing in the shot that they are actually featured in. Come on, Warners! We are waiting!
Rating: 
Summary: This was not east of eden.
Review: OH my god. After reading the book by john steinbeck, this movie seemed so flimsy that it was unwatchable. It is the kind of movie that you can watch for two hours whithout actually watching anything at all. sure, james dean is great but this movie is not east of eden at all. It only covers a tiny portion of the book and leaves out all of the great characters like lee and is grossly innaccurate. It was just rediculous and a huge letdown.---READ THE BOOK!---
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