East of Eden (film)
"East of Eden" is a 1955 American drama film directed by Elia Kazan, notable for being the first major motion picture featuring James Dean, whose untimely death shortly after its release solidified his status as a cultural icon. The film is an adaptation of John Steinbeck's novel, drawing inspiration from the biblical tale of Cain and Abel, and follows the tumultuous relationship between twin brothers Cal and Aron Trask as they vie for their father's affection. Set in rural California during the early 20th century, the narrative explores themes of identity, family conflict, and societal challenges, particularly against the backdrop of World War I.
James Dean's portrayal of the troubled Cal earned him a posthumous Academy Award nomination, marking a significant moment in film history as it was one of the first nominations for a performance by a teenager. Jo Van Fleet's role as Cal's mother garnered her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. The film's innovative use of CinemaScope and vibrant color cinematography, alongside an evocative score by Leonard Rosenman, contributed to its critical acclaim and popularity at the box office. "East of Eden" remains a significant work in American cinema, reflecting the social dynamics and cultural tensions of its time.
East of Eden (film)
- Release Date: 1955
- Director(s): Elia Kazan
- Writer(s): Paul Osborn
- Principal Actors and Roles: James Dean (Cal Trask); Julie Harris (Abra); Raymond Massey (Adam Trask); Richard Davalos (Aron Trask); Albert Dekker (Will Hamilton); Burl Ives (Sam the Sheriff); Jo Van Fleet (Kate)
- Book / Story Film Based On: East of Eden by John Steinbeck
East of Eden is an American drama that starred James Dean in his first major motion picture. Dean died in a car accident shortly after the film was released, which made him a legend. He also received a posthumous Academy Award nomination for his performance as a troubled teen named Cal, (the first such nomination of its kind). Jo Van Fleet, who debuted in the film as Cal’s mother received the Academy Award for her role.
The film and the novel from which it was adapted are based on the biblical story of the brothers Cain and Abel. According to the Bible in the book of Genesis, Cain is sent "east of Eden" after killing his brother Abel. Paul Osborn wrote the script for the film, using only a small portion of the original novel as its base. In the original story and in the film, Cal and Aron Trask, twin brothers, compete for the love and affections of their father. The 115-minute film was a big hit at the box office, largely due to its cast.
Plot
Cal and Aron’s father Adam Trask is strict and religious but he is also hardened by his circumstances. He has told the boys that their mother left the family after they were born, yet Cal, who is the "bad" son, learns their mother lives in nearby Monterey. To his disappointment, she runs a brothel. On the other hand, Aron, the "good" son, idolizes her and believes that his mother was a good woman and died after their birth. Cal visits his mother to learn the truth but also hopes to find his true identity and where his "badness" originates.
Soon Adam Trask loses his fortune when he invests his money in refrigerated train cars. He is ruined. But Cal wants to please his father. He hopes to help him gain his fortune back. He secretly invests money, with the help from his estranged mother, in beans. With the United States entering World War I, Cal sells to the US military at a profit.
Meanwhile, discrimination runs rampant at home. Adam Trask is an isolationist and does not support the war. Many townspeople are angry at the German-American residents and use violence and show discrimination against them.
After Cal and Aron’s girlfriend, Abra, share a special moment together at the local fair, Aron accuses Cal of stealing his girlfriend. The brothers argue and Cal strikes Aron, feeling regret afterwards. Then Cal prepares a surprise birthday party for his father where he presents him with the money he has earned from growing and selling beans. His father is appreciative but because he is against the war, he refuses the money. He tells Cal that all he wants is a "good life." Cal feels dejected but also seeks revenge against Aron so he takes Aron to the brothel where their mother works. After Aron learns about his mother, he is ashamed and leaves.
Cal returns home where he confronts his father about never having felt loved by him. He explains that it is because he reminds his father of his mother, because they are similar. While they are arguing, they are told that Aron is in need of help. He is drunk and going to enlist in the war. Cal and his father arrive at the train station where they find Aron inebriated and smashing his head through the window of the train.
Shocked by this tragedy and disappointment, Adam suffers a stroke and is on his deathbed. Sam suggests to Cal that he leave town. Abra sits by Adam’s bedside and confides in him that she really loves Cal instead of Aron. She begs Adam to show Cal that he loves him before he leaves. Abra tells Cal that he must come to his father’s side one more time. When he does, Adam asks him to stay to take care of him. Cal is overjoyed by his father’s request, and he and Abra embrace as the film ends.
Significance
Even though the movie was made in the 1950s, East of Eden is set in rural California in 1917 just prior to the United States entry into World War I. Many critics commented that Cal was a reflection of the director Elia Kazan, who was considered "bad" in Hollywood. Kazan was a former Communist and somewhat of an outcast in Tinseltown. The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) identified him as a person of interest. (HUAC sought to find and weed out people in Hollywood who sympathized with communists and communism.) Even though Kazan was never blacklisted like other Hollywood figures were, he helped HUAC blacklist others.
The 1950s were a time of teen rebellion and modernism, both of which were represented in this film by a cast that was highly praised for its performance. Kazan shot the film in color CinemaScope, which was new technology at the time. This enhanced the color and setting of the film—Salinas, California. Kazan also used widescreen, which maximized the beauty if the setting. Cinematographer Ted McCord’s work on the film was noted for its camera angles. Leonard Rosenman wrote the score for East of Eden. It was his first musical score for a film. He also created the score for Dean’s next film, Rebel Without a Cause. Rosenman also composed the music for the film September 30, 1955 (1977), which portrays the reaction of residents in a small town in Arkansas to the news of James Dean’s death.
Awards and nominations
Won
- Academy Award (1955) Best Supporting Actress: Jo Van Fleet
- Golden Globe (1955) Best Motion Picture (Drama)
Nominated
- Academy Award (1955) Best Director: Elia Kazan
- Academy Award (1955) Best Actor: James Dean
- Academy Award (1955) Best Screenplay (Adapted): Paul Osborn
Bibliography
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"East of Eden (1955)." Turner Classic Movies. Turner Entertainment Networks, 2015. Web. 31 Aug. 2015. <http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/16719/East-of-Eden/articles.html>.
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