Love, War, and Beans
***SPOILER ALERT*** This portion of the site does contain spoilers for the 1955 East of Eden film. If you do not wish to ruin the movie for yourself, or you just hate James Dean and Ayesha's awkward sense of humor, you should leave now.
And for those who have chosen to stay, welcome!
Recently, I sat down to watch the film adaptation of East of Eden, directed by Elia Kazan. Now I know many of you don't have any interest in watching a movie that doesn't include some sort of 3D or CGI, but fear not! Below is a full photo recap of the entire movie, along with my awkward comments and biased love for James Dean. So let's get started!
First things first. If you want to watch the movie instead of reading the book, don't. They're completely different. The movie only deals with the last 80 or so pages of the novel and lacks the two major characters: Lee and Sam Hamilton. Also, the characteristics of each character differ slightly in comparison to the book. So if you really want to understand this novel, read the book. It's actually really good. 600 pages, but worth it. Trust me.
East of Eden begins with the introduction of the film's main character, Cal Trask (played by the extremely adorable James Dean), who is sitting on some sort of step waiting for the woman in black.
Recently, I sat down to watch the film adaptation of East of Eden, directed by Elia Kazan. Now I know many of you don't have any interest in watching a movie that doesn't include some sort of 3D or CGI, but fear not! Below is a full photo recap of the entire movie, along with my awkward comments and biased love for James Dean. So let's get started!
First things first. If you want to watch the movie instead of reading the book, don't. They're completely different. The movie only deals with the last 80 or so pages of the novel and lacks the two major characters: Lee and Sam Hamilton. Also, the characteristics of each character differ slightly in comparison to the book. So if you really want to understand this novel, read the book. It's actually really good. 600 pages, but worth it. Trust me.
East of Eden begins with the introduction of the film's main character, Cal Trask (played by the extremely adorable James Dean), who is sitting on some sort of step waiting for the woman in black.
Once the woman arrives, Cal begins to follow her through town. And we soon learn that they are in the itty-bitty town Monterey in the early 1900's.
I having read the book (admit it, most of you didn't!), deduced that the lady is in fact Kate a.k.a Cathy a.k.a Adam's wife a.k.a Cal's mother played by Jo Ann Fleet.
I having read the book (admit it, most of you didn't!), deduced that the lady is in fact Kate a.k.a Cathy a.k.a Adam's wife a.k.a Cal's mother played by Jo Ann Fleet.
Kate proved to be very popular with the gentlemen--even the cool dudes wearing their fishnets-- who kept cheering as she walked by.
Pretty much foreshadowing to her role as the highly prestigious "Madame".
Was I the only one laughing here?
Pretty much foreshadowing to her role as the highly prestigious "Madame".
Was I the only one laughing here?
Cal follows his mamma all the way home to her very successful brothel. By now she knows someone has been following her, but who exactly is still unknown. We are then introduced to her henchman, Joe, who encourages Cal to get lost.
Truthfully, I was a bit disappointed with Joe's character. He only shows up for a couple of scenes, and doesn't have much of a role; unlike his character in the novel. There's no twists and turns, or hidden past criminal records. We don't get to see Kate be her manipulative self. Nope. Joe's just one of Kate's servants practically.
Truthfully, I was a bit disappointed with Joe's character. He only shows up for a couple of scenes, and doesn't have much of a role; unlike his character in the novel. There's no twists and turns, or hidden past criminal records. We don't get to see Kate be her manipulative self. Nope. Joe's just one of Kate's servants practically.
Cal remains quiet and lost, but questions Joe about Kate's real name. He only wants to speak to her for a little bit, but they won't allow it! No sireee. Instead, Cal is laughed at by some random lady Kazan for some odd reason chose to include in the scene. If only I could spend my days laying on my porch, laughing at my neighbors...
Cal eventually leaves, still wondering about his mother and hops a train to get home to Salinas. Rather than paying for an actual seat, Cal just sits on the roof and freezes.
Cal soon meets Sam the Sheriff (woaaah, what?), played by Burl Ives, and we learn that although Cal and his brother Aron have been told all their lives that their mother has died and gone to heaven, Cal doesn't believe it. And the sheriff doesn't deny it. Instead he shows Cal pictures of his parent's wedding day and tells him about his mother shooting his father and how Mr. Trask truly was "dead" inside. They talk about the brothel house, and more about Cal's relationship with his father,and then the sheriff takes Cal home.
There's not much to say about the Sheriff. Because Sam Hamilton's character doesn't exist, the Sheriff takes his role in some sense, providing Cal with reassurance and comforting advice. I guess you call that "creative liberty." Initially, I was hesitant with the lack of Sam's character given how important he is in the novel, but between the Sheriff and Kazan's changes, the void isn't really felt. There's not much to say about the Sheriff, but since he is important to some degree, here's a picture.
There's not much to say about the Sheriff. Because Sam Hamilton's character doesn't exist, the Sheriff takes his role in some sense, providing Cal with reassurance and comforting advice. I guess you call that "creative liberty." Initially, I was hesitant with the lack of Sam's character given how important he is in the novel, but between the Sheriff and Kazan's changes, the void isn't really felt. There's not much to say about the Sheriff, but since he is important to some degree, here's a picture.
Back home, we finally get to meet the other brother- Aron (Richard Davalos) and his lovely girlfriend Abra (Julie Harris) as they walk home from school. Apparently the two are in love.
Instantly we can see that Aron is smart and charming and the joy of life--contrast to aloof Cal, who is fantastically played by Dreamboat Dean who hides behind a tree.
There's one thing I did notice about the film though... these characters sure do love trees. Maybe there's some deeper meaning to them? The growth of life? Tree vs Lettuce? I don't know... but there's a lot of them. Exhibit A:
Instantly we can see that Aron is smart and charming and the joy of life--contrast to aloof Cal, who is fantastically played by Dreamboat Dean who hides behind a tree.
There's one thing I did notice about the film though... these characters sure do love trees. Maybe there's some deeper meaning to them? The growth of life? Tree vs Lettuce? I don't know... but there's a lot of them. Exhibit A:
This scene was actually pretty sweet. Despite their differences, it's clear the brothers care for each other. Abra's ehh. But there's some tension between her and Cal. So much so, he even throws a stick at her. Could it be that he likes her? (Cal and Abra sittin' in a tree...)
Soon, everyone meets up with his father, Adam (Raymond Massey) who's talking with Will Hamilton (Albert Dekker) about his new idea of transporting frozen lettuce across the country to New York. Will Hamilton is pretty much like his character in the book--a businessman. Adam on the other hand doesn't appear to be as weak and "dead" inside as described. He seems just like a strict father who is determined and hopeful about his future business adventure. It's also clear though that he does prefer Aron over Cal, who misbehaves way too much for his own good.
Meanwhile, Abra-Cadabra, and her current pet rabbit Aron, rendezvous in the ice storage barn as they talk about their hopes and dreams and babies as Cal spies from behind some ice blocks. It wasn't weird at all.
I SEE THE TYPO OKAY.
Abra gets mad and freaked out about Cal spying on them. Ironic, since she obviously has a thing for both brothers. Aron gives his brother the benefit of the doubt, but then Abra makes him move to another corner of the ice barn and talks about how strange Cal really is. Cal, upset by Abra's comments, acts up by pushing blocks of ice outside the ramp connected to the barn. SO BAD.
Abra gets mad and freaked out about Cal spying on them. Ironic, since she obviously has a thing for both brothers. Aron gives his brother the benefit of the doubt, but then Abra makes him move to another corner of the ice barn and talks about how strange Cal really is. Cal, upset by Abra's comments, acts up by pushing blocks of ice outside the ramp connected to the barn. SO BAD.
Needless to say, Adam was furious!
So furious, he read the Bible to the boys and made Cal even read a few passages. Turns out, Adam is actually very religious. I guess this was another way to compensate for the lack of Sam Hamilton and show just how Adam was able to move on from Crazy Cathy.
Cal asks his father about the scar on his shoulder, which Adam constantly says is from a shooting during his army days, but Cal knows it's the scar from Cathy shooting him. Adam eventually storms off with frustration and sadness.
Here's a picture of Cal reading... I couldn't help but notice the interesting table decorations.
Cal asks his father about the scar on his shoulder, which Adam constantly says is from a shooting during his army days, but Cal knows it's the scar from Cathy shooting him. Adam eventually storms off with frustration and sadness.
Here's a picture of Cal reading... I couldn't help but notice the interesting table decorations.
Cal eventually sneaks back into the brothel and gets a meeting with Kate where they briefly introduce themselves. The whole scene had me singing a particular Queen song.
We then move on to Adam's lettuce business. So much lettuce, so little time! Cal's been working extremely hard in the fields, ensuring everything goes right.
When two of the workers discuss the possibilities of the business failing, Cal ensures them that everything will work out because it has too! He was just so excited! And I was excited! IT WAS SO CUTE BECAUSE THEN THIS HAPPENED:
When two of the workers discuss the possibilities of the business failing, Cal ensures them that everything will work out because it has too! He was just so excited! And I was excited! IT WAS SO CUTE BECAUSE THEN THIS HAPPENED:
Cal then builds a nifty contraption thingy to quicken the lettuce transporting process. Adam's impressed but it's soon put to disgrace once Aron makes a remark about it. Poor Dreamboat Dean :'(
Abra visits the work sight to bring Aron (who should also be working but he's not!) lunch. Aron's nowhere to be found, so in an act of love, Cal steals his lunch from Abra and runs off to the fields during break time. Abra Cadabra! I bet it's exactly what she wanted because of course Abra then follows, and flirts with Cal.
That soon ended with poindexter Aron's entrance. Gosh, so good looking yet so annoying.
Anyways, fast forward. America is entering a war with the Germans! And there is a parade. Complete with home made nifty signs and all!
Anyways, fast forward. America is entering a war with the Germans! And there is a parade. Complete with home made nifty signs and all!
Cal finds Aron and Abra Cadabra the nurse (she heals you with her magic love powers) at the parade hiding in the distance. They talk about the draft and Aron makes it VERY clear that he disagrees with war entirely. So much so he hides behind his tree and refuses to take part in any of it!
Exhibit B: I told you the tree will return!
Exhibit B: I told you the tree will return!
Adam actually works at the draft board and is pretty sad about the entire thing. The local German tailor is getting harassed (JUST LIKE THE BOOK!). Everyone sits outside and shares their feelings. Of course Aron once again hates it all, and just rolls in the grass while poor, sweet Cal idolizes his father.
It turns out the lettuce business was a complete bust, and Cal feels bad about the whole thing so he decides to go into the Bean farming business which seems to be booming with the current war. And when people in Salinas want to do business, they talk to one man and one man only: Will Hamilton.
Mr. Hamilton, though was busy at the local gym where everyone was dressed as if they were going to work. So cute! Oh the 1920s!
So Cal did what he had to do. He cleared it out.
Mr. Hamilton, though was busy at the local gym where everyone was dressed as if they were going to work. So cute! Oh the 1920s!
So Cal did what he had to do. He cleared it out.
Will and Cal then proceeded to talking business.. in the best place ever: the locker room. It wasn't weird at all. But hey! I did spy a special shout out!
Although Sam Ham himself couldn't be with us physically in the movie, his presence was felted.
Although Sam Ham himself couldn't be with us physically in the movie, his presence was felted.
Will agreed to go into business with Cal, but to do so, he needed $5,000. But Cal doesn't have that. Now in the book, he was able to get his money from Lee. But since we have no Lee, just the wanna-be Abra-Cadabra, Cal turns to the one person he knows has a lot of dough: His Mamma!
This turned out to be a very interesting scene since Kate was impressed by her son's bravery not only returning to see her, but also asking her for money. They continued their discussion in Kate's office, where they had a little get-to-know-you session. It was actually sweet, and didn't make Cathy to seem as crazy as the book does. She asked about Aron and Adam. And listened to Cal's business ideas. She actually listened and seemed to have an interest in her son. You could tell though that Cal did feel like he inherited the "bad" from her.
The two were developing a sincere relationship, so just as Cal was leaving, he decided to ask his mother why she did what she did. And oh did she bring it.
Kate made it clear that she didn't like being tied down on the ranch and carrying for the boys. She is an independent woman! I actually sympathized with Cathy. There's a reason why Jo Ann Fleet earned an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Kate/Cathy. Though Cathy is manipulative, she isn't as scheming and dark as her character in the book. But then again, the book does only deal with the later half of the book, where Cathy is her weakest and commits suicide. (She doesn't in the film though. She just fades into the background).
Kate agrees to give Cal the money, and the business goes well! And Cal is sooooo excited! He was rolling around the bean fields as he anticipated their growth!
Kate agrees to give Cal the money, and the business goes well! And Cal is sooooo excited! He was rolling around the bean fields as he anticipated their growth!
Now we go on to the county carnival. Abra Cadabra is waiting for Aron, but he's no where to be found. So what does she do? Obviously she goes to the next brother, Cal. Their hatred is blooming into love.
As much as I see Abra as a fake two timer, she and Cal have a ton of fun at the carnival. It's different than her much more serious love with Aron. They go through the hall of mirrors, play some games where Abra Cadabra waves her magic wand and wins!
As much as I see Abra as a fake two timer, she and Cal have a ton of fun at the carnival. It's different than her much more serious love with Aron. They go through the hall of mirrors, play some games where Abra Cadabra waves her magic wand and wins!
Happy Cal takes her up to the Ferris Wheel. Of course it's to see if they can find Aron from up there, but please. I've seen The Notebook. Whether its Ryan Gosling or James Dean, that Ferris Wheel is where sparks fly.
So much so that this happens:
Gross.
BUT THEN ABRA CADABRA STOPS.
Because apparently she loves Aron. Puhlease.
They soon find him. He's stuck in between a war of angry parents who have lost kids in the war and are discriminating against the local German tailor. In an effort to protect Aron, Cal joins in and throws a few punches. Aron gets EXTREMELY angry (this brother is so emotional), and tells Cal to stop protecting and STAY AWAY FROM ABRA. And then things get heated...
Because apparently she loves Aron. Puhlease.
They soon find him. He's stuck in between a war of angry parents who have lost kids in the war and are discriminating against the local German tailor. In an effort to protect Aron, Cal joins in and throws a few punches. Aron gets EXTREMELY angry (this brother is so emotional), and tells Cal to stop protecting and STAY AWAY FROM ABRA. And then things get heated...
Abra tries to stop the fight. But who does she go to? Cal. Ugh.
Oh brother.
Cal then runs away and ends up at the local bar. Abra chases after him. My goodness woman. They have an awkward conversation.
Cal then runs away and ends up at the local bar. Abra chases after him. My goodness woman. They have an awkward conversation.
Drunk, Cal then goes to Will Hamilton's house to demand his money. He's going to prove himself!
Cal then goes to Abra's house. It's Daddy-O's birthday and Cal wants to do something special. Abra will help him with the decorations and Cal will give him a special present (this event actually happens during Thanksgiving in the book).
This was sweet too I guess. Although they start off hating each other, the two do have a special connection. And since the boys don't have Lee to confide into, they turn to Abra, especially Cal. She may be some sort of love magician I guess, but at least she's helpful.
This was sweet too I guess. Although they start off hating each other, the two do have a special connection. And since the boys don't have Lee to confide into, they turn to Abra, especially Cal. She may be some sort of love magician I guess, but at least she's helpful.
Abra comes over the next day and helps Cal decorate the house. Cal's freaking out, and Abra comforts him. She assures him that there is no way that Aron will ruin this day for him and that his dad will be proud. You can always count on Abra to be around.
Oh but how things take a toll. Aron announces that he's engaged to Abra, and Adam rejects Cal's present saying he cheated the Bean farmers out of this money and it isn't a good life like Aron has.
Cue the waterworks.
Cue the waterworks.
Oh how angry Cal was. And you know what the Trask brothers do when they're angry. That's right. THEY HIDE BEHIND TREES! (EXHIBIT C)
Cal was so angry, he did the unthinkable and took Aron somewhere special.
Things got a bit scary then. Cal basically shoved Aron into the room, yelled and left.
Cal comes home feeling like he was on top of the world and had finally beaten his brother at something. Adam wasn't too happy and asked where Aron was, to which Cal responded "I'm not my brother's keeper." Again, alluding to the story of Cain and Abel.
Cal walked away, unimpressed by his father. He had finally reached that point where he just couldn't care anymore. And he told just his father that. In an attempt to be noticed, Cal had tried to buy his father's love. And even that wasn't enough.
It turns out that Aron was so upset and shocked about the truth of his mother, that he enlisted in the army. Something the Sheriff, and especially Adam, was NOT happy about.
Adam chased after Aron who was drunk and on the train to the Army. To prove just how crazy he was, he smashed his head through the window and started laughing. Alright, alright.
Adam was so shocked about what just had happened, that he had a stroke. And Cal felt terrible. Things weren't made easier with the awful nurse they had either.
But that's okay, because guess who was there to help him? ABRA CADABRA OF COURSE!
The doctor told Cal that he should go away for sometime, and Cal agreed. But before he could, he went to go see his Daddy-O one more time. But again was rudely interrupted by the awful AWFUL nurse.
Abra talks to Adam about how Cal is actually good inside. And when Cal comes into talk to him before leaving, Daddy-O manages to garner enough strength to talk to his son.
Well, father does know best!
He tells him to get rid of the stupid nurse (even a man suffering from a stroke knows how bad she is!) and Cal will take care of him. Sweet. But I was kind of upset that they didn't tackle the idea of choice and "Timshel" like in the book. That was the true essence of the entire story and it wasn't even addressed in the movie! Ah!
But at least sweet Cal is happy! His daddy does love him! And who does he share his happiness with? Abra....The two start smooching with the sick man laying helpless behind them! It was weird okay. Just weird.
He tells him to get rid of the stupid nurse (even a man suffering from a stroke knows how bad she is!) and Cal will take care of him. Sweet. But I was kind of upset that they didn't tackle the idea of choice and "Timshel" like in the book. That was the true essence of the entire story and it wasn't even addressed in the movie! Ah!
But at least sweet Cal is happy! His daddy does love him! And who does he share his happiness with? Abra....The two start smooching with the sick man laying helpless behind them! It was weird okay. Just weird.
That's it folks! Abra Cadabra, Cal, and Adam will now live happily ever after, and Kate will continue on with whatever she is doing.
Thanks for sticking around this long! The movie truly wasn't that bad. I liked it, and it's not because my love for a rebel without a cause. I honestly think that if I hadn't read the book, I probably would've liked the movie even more.
WHAT NEXT?
You can check out our trailer to the movie on the home page and see a behind the scenes look of filming on my blog.
Did you see the movie? What did you think? Discuss your opinions on our Discussion Forum!
Bonus points for whoever can name all the references in this piece. Some are pretty obvious I think.
Read about James Dean and his time on the set of East of Eden in the weird article I found: Click here.
Citations
Crowther, Bosley. "Movies." Movie Review - East of Eden. The New York Times. Web. 22 Feb. 2012.
<http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9C0DEFD6143EE53ABC4852DFB566838E649EDE>. "East of Eden (film)." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 20 Feb. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_of_Eden_(film)>.
Kazan, Elia, dir. East of Eden. Warner Brothers. 9 Mar. 1955. Television.
"THE BLACKLISTED JOURNALIST,James Dean, A Myth-Shattering Biography of AnIcon THE JAMES DEAN STORY by Ron Martintti,Elia
Kazan,Hollywood,DickDavalos,Warner Brothers,Griffith Park,Jane Deacy,Famous Artists Agency,DickClayton,High Sierra,East of Eden,Howa." The
Blacklisted Journalist. Web. 11 Feb. 2012. <http://www.blacklistedjournalist.com/column72i.html>.
Thanks for sticking around this long! The movie truly wasn't that bad. I liked it, and it's not because my love for a rebel without a cause. I honestly think that if I hadn't read the book, I probably would've liked the movie even more.
WHAT NEXT?
You can check out our trailer to the movie on the home page and see a behind the scenes look of filming on my blog.
Did you see the movie? What did you think? Discuss your opinions on our Discussion Forum!
Bonus points for whoever can name all the references in this piece. Some are pretty obvious I think.
Read about James Dean and his time on the set of East of Eden in the weird article I found: Click here.
Citations
Crowther, Bosley. "Movies." Movie Review - East of Eden. The New York Times. Web. 22 Feb. 2012.
<http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9C0DEFD6143EE53ABC4852DFB566838E649EDE>. "East of Eden (film)." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 20 Feb. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_of_Eden_(film)>.
Kazan, Elia, dir. East of Eden. Warner Brothers. 9 Mar. 1955. Television.
"THE BLACKLISTED JOURNALIST,James Dean, A Myth-Shattering Biography of AnIcon THE JAMES DEAN STORY by Ron Martintti,Elia
Kazan,Hollywood,DickDavalos,Warner Brothers,Griffith Park,Jane Deacy,Famous Artists Agency,DickClayton,High Sierra,East of Eden,Howa." The
Blacklisted Journalist. Web. 11 Feb. 2012. <http://www.blacklistedjournalist.com/column72i.html>.
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