The film ends on a flagrant miscalculation which typifies Kazan at his worst.

| Mar 17, 2020

It's far from a dull movie, but it's certainly a very strange one; it's an enshrinement of the mixed-up kid.

| Jan 3, 2018

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.

| Nov 1, 2007

It's a film of great performances, atmospheric photography, and a sure sense of period and place.

| Jan 26, 2006

Not only one of Kazan's richest films and Dean's first significant role, it is also arguably the actor's best performance.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Dec 6, 2005

A classic of its time.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jun 22, 2005

If you turn the sound down on East of Eden (and, by all means, do), you'll see why Dean is a legend.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | May 23, 2005

A showcase for Dean's searing, gargantuan, force-of-nature performance.

| Original Score: B+ | May 3, 2005

In short, there is energy and intensity but little clarity and emotion in this film. It is like a great, green iceberg: mammoth and imposing but very cold.

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | May 20, 2003