
East of Eden
1955, Drama, 1h 55m
40 Reviews 10,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
East of Eden strains to swell its story to epic dimensions, but James Dean's riveting performance gives this CinemaScope drama much of its raging heart. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew

Cal Trask
Abra
Adam Trask
Kate
Sam the Sheriff
Aron Trask
News & Interviews for East of Eden
Critic Reviews for East of Eden
All Critics (40) | Top Critics (9) | Fresh (34) | Rotten (6)
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The film ends on a flagrant miscalculation which typifies Kazan at his worst.
March 17, 2020 | Full Review… -
It's far from a dull movie, but it's certainly a very strange one; it's an enshrinement of the mixed-up kid.
January 3, 2018 | Full Review… -
John Steinbeck's painful biblical allegory -- Genesis replayed in Monterey, California, circa 1917 -- is more palatable on the screen, thanks to the down-to-earth performances of James Dean as Cal/Cain and Richard Davalos as Aron/Abel.
November 1, 2007 | Full Review… -
It's a film of great performances, atmospheric photography, and a sure sense of period and place.
January 26, 2006 | Full Review… -
Not only one of Kazan's richest films and Dean's first significant role, it is also arguably the actor's best performance.
December 6, 2005 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review… -
A classic of its time.
June 22, 2005 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for East of Eden
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Dec 01, 2015Family, love, and digging yourself up from beneath the dirt, (to name a few) are all underlying elements throughout this picture. This beautifully directed, James Dean (his first) lead feature, proves as a defining movie of it's decade. As Cal is ridiculed by his father and looked down upon by others, due to the fact that his brother has everything going for him, including a love interest, he sets out to make a name for himself and turn his life around. A long time ago, his family was abandoned by his mother and he sets out to collect money to help return the favours given by his father. In hopes to be accepted by his father, mother, and respected by the town and his own brother, Cal Trask is one complex character that I could just not get enough of. James Dean is terrific in this film and the screenplay is adapted brilliantly. Lessons about life, love, and happiness leap off the screen and I bought every message. Everything about this film screams greatness in filmmaking to me and it is definitely one of the best films I have ever seen. "East of Eden" is a breathtaking picture.KJ P Super Reviewer
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Jul 01, 2014The son of a farmer desperately seeks his father's approval. In this film James Dean looks like he could either violently explode or be disintegrated into a million pieces by a light breeze. His performance is a showcase in vulnerability, which, in a way, is was acting is about - the vulnerability and availability of an actor's emotional truth and interpretation of the character. The story is fine, but by the end of the film, all I can remember is Dean, whose performance is a master class in what acting should be. Overall, see this film for James Dean.Jim H Super Reviewer
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Jan 19, 2014This is an American classic. It's a real shame that James Dean died so young, because he's amazing here.Stephen S Super Reviewer
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Aug 07, 2013The James Dean film that gets less airplay compared to Rebel Without a Cause and Giant, East of Eden is nonetheless another prime example of what good acting Dean successfully brought to the screen. I think this was the last one which is a shame.John B Super Reviewer
East of Eden Quotes
Sam the Sheriff: | Burp! |
Cal Trask: | "I’ve been jealous all my life. Jealous, I couldn’t even stand it. Tonight, I even tried to buy your love, but now I don’t want it anymore. I can’t use it anymore. I don’t want any kind of love anymore. It doesn’t pay off." |
Cal Trask: | I've been jealous all my life. Jealous, I couldn't even stand it. Tonight, I even tried to buy your love, but now I don't want it anymore. I can't use it anymore. I don't want any kind of love anymore. It doesn't pay off. |
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