 |
James Dean gave a memorable performance as Cal (Caleb) Trask in this 1955 movie about seeking a father's love and being put down over and over. Raymond Massey plays Adam Trask, a struggling vegetable farmer in Salinas, California, who has raised his two sons alone after being abandoned by his wife, Kathy (Jo Van Fleet). The two sons, Cal and Aron (Richard Davalos) think that their mother is dead until someone leaks the truth to Cal, and he rides a freight train to nearby Monterey and follows her to the house of ill repute that she owns. Meanwhile, Aron has a girlfriend Abra (Julie Harris) that he plans to marry as soon as they graduate high school. Aron is the favorite son because he is good and doesn't cause Adam any problems. Cal, on the other hand, is moody, rebellious, and challenging on every level. Adam always forgives Cal for his indiscretions because the Bible requires it, but somehow the adjective "bad" becomes the label he wears. After Cal finally introduces himself to his mother, something clicks inside Cal, and he realizes that he has many of his mother's traits. He starts to understand himself and softens his attitude toward his father. Adam softens too, but feelings just don't completely go away. Cal's sudden good behavior, however, does change Abra's attitude toward him. They have sveral heart-to-heart conversations, and thus the plot heats up. This movie produced 4 Academy Award nominations with one win for Jo Van Fleet as Best Supporting Actress. James Dean in his movie debut was nominated as Best Actor; Elia Kazan was nominated as Best Director; and the movie also had a nomination for Best Screenplay Writing. In a separate dvd we are treated to a complete biography of James Dean and to a feature about how the movie was made. We learn that the lead character Cal was nearly cast to Paul Newman. Marlon Brando considered James Dean a rival. John Steinbeck and Elia Kazan were lifelong friends; both men had similar relationships with their fathers. And more. This movie was a great debut for James Dean, who only made 3 movies before his untimely death at age 24. If for no other reason than to see him in action, I recommend this movie.Read full review
Pros: excellent script and acting, good story. Enjoyed it a lot! Cons: Filmed in black & white instead of color. That said, it IS arguable that B&W is more appropriate given the nature of the story. Film includes only the last part of the Steinbeck novel. Many interesting characters and story lines omitted.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Thank you I'm very happy to have revived this DVD I haven't played the movie yet but already before I even took the dvd out of the package I saw dirt and rough edges on the dvd I'm over here thinking it's used cus I'm pretty sure it said NEW there was no seal at all on the dvd allowing it to become this dirty. I'm quite sad and I need an explanation. Is this the original DVD or is this a copy? Because my rebel without a cause dvd came in SEALED and was in a different size. But then again I'm not going to get all crazy over the outside of the dvd I had cleaned some of the grime off and there are still some I cannot remove. But I hope that the CD is not just as bad as the outside because if so, I'm shipping it right back.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
If you are a movie fan, this movie has to be on your shelf. The debut movie of James Dean in this John Steinbeck novel directed by Elia Kazan is not to be missed. James Dean is, in his first movie, better than most "stars" of movies today. James Dean plays Cal with Richard Davalos equally compelling, but not quite as dazzling, playing his brother Aron. This is a twist on the Cain and Abel scenario. Raymond Massey, as their father, was the perfect choice for this role. Julie Harris, as Abra, shines. This movie was nominated for 4 Academy Awards, including best acting by James Dean. It won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress by Jo Van Fleet as the wayward mother of Cal and Aron.
I love this movie and the characters it portrays! James Dean only starred in three movies before his untimely death in a car accident. He plays the son, who is always trying to gain his father's love. But his brother, Aaron, seems to have all the love no matter what James Dean tries to do. This story weaves the characters in incredible ways, showing how different personalities perceive love. I enjoy watching it on DVD with the 'special features' bonus. It's a classic!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in DVDs & Blu-ray Discs
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on DVDs & Blu-ray Discs
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like
