When James Dean died in a car crash on September 30, 1955, only one of the three films he had finished production on had been released, the other two were released later, to solemn fanfare, posthumously. The only film of his own which Dean got the chance to see in theaters was East of Eden (1955), directed by Elia Kazan. There is some slight redemption in that fact, as Dean was immensely proud of his work on the film, and it is arguably his strongest performance of the three. The acting style of Marlon Brando, who was Dean's hero, obviously inspired the "Method" technique Dean employed with his character, "Cal." Dean utilized memories and feelings from his own life, particularly those about his father, and filtered them through the role. It is impressive to watch, emotionally, to say the least. Though he did not win, Dean was posthumously nominated for the Best Actor Academy Award for his work in East of Eden.
Cal (James Dean) and Aron (Richard Davalos) are the sons of Adam Trask (Raymond Massey), a draft board member, sometimes farmer, and constant Bible thumper (the story itself is a version of Cain and Abel). Their father's favoritism given to Aron has made Cal feel bitter and unloved...
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| East of Eden. 1955: James Dean |
Adam Trask had told his sons that their mother was a good woman, who died, and is now in Heaven. Cal discovers the truth: She is very much alive, not so kind, and runs a brothel is a neighboring town...
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| East of Eden. 1955: James Dean |
When their father loses everything he has in a bad business venture, Cal hatches a plan and gets it all back. Cal tries to give his father the money, but his pleas for affection from his father are misunderstood and rejected...
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| East of Eden. 1955: James Dean |
Cal takes his aggression out on Aron, revealing the truth about their mother and shattering his psyche in the process...
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| East of Eden. 1955: James Dean |
Cal is angry, lost, hurt and remorseful...
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| East of Eden. 1955: James Dean |
The only love and kindness Cal receives is from Abra (Julie Harris), whose warmth keeps him going through tragedies that he has created, as well as the ones beyond any one's control...
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| East of Eden. 1955: James Dean |
