If you remember the two-part review which I published after finishing East of Eden, you know that this is my favorite book— of all time. During the winter break, I recalled that there is a well-received movie starring James Dean. Since the book deeply transformed my approach as a writer and a reader, I felt that it was absolutely necessary to watch the movie version. So how does it compare?
This movie is an extremely interesting one to review, since it steers away from certain key parts of the book. If you haven't yet read Steinbeck's written version, please do so first before reading this post, since I don't want to spoil such a rich piece.
When I was researching the movie, I learned that Lee and Samuel Hamilton, two critical characters from the book, were not included. This was an immense shock since it seemed impossible for me to envision a version without these two figures. However, upon further reflection, it made sense that they would cut out some characters— a 600 page book can only be condensed into a standard length film if sacrifices are made. As a result, the producers decided to focus on the story of Caleb and Aron Trask, eliminating the first half of Steinbeck's work and building out Abra, Adam, and Cathy as the additional main characters. I was very pleasantly surprised by this rendition and thought that it was an appropriate choice for a film adaptation.
The choices that were made surrounding some of the characters, especially Aron, were quite interesting— he turns into an almost villainous character from his angelic version in the book. We don't get as much of the background between Adam and Cathy either, and while the former is less likable and less built-out than in the book, Cathy is a completely different figure altogether. The actor was perfect for her role, highlighted some of the key features and motifs from the book, and capitalized on the changes that are necessary to make when creating a film version. Without Steinbeck's commentary of her inner malevolence, the film was not able to portray her as a merciless, horrid monster. Instead, this role shifted over to Aron.
While most of the minor characters stay the same if they make their appearance in the film, such as Will Hamilton, Abra is an entirely different figure. She takes Lee's final lines from the book when talking to Caleb, making her like the reborn version of one of literature's most wise characters.
There is also a scene where Abra and Caleb are sitting on a ferris wheel which does not appear in the book, and the complicated relationship between the two is emphasized by the choppy dialogue and sudden bursts of emotion which definitely parallels the evolution between the two throughout the book. I did not imagine Cal looking like James Dean at all when I read the book, but the choice once again strengthens the movie as a separate adaptation that is not at all trying to replicate Steinbeck's masterpiece.
In short, the movie version of East of Eden is an example of the brilliant potential that is possible when a cinematographer chooses to concentrate and enlarge upon one aspect of a literary text while interpreting it in a different manner. Certain scenes from the book are extracted and brought to the spotlight in a way that reinforces the visual elements which only the movie can provide while others are brushed aside entirely in order to avoid an unbearably long film. If you are looking for a mix of rustic landscapes, intriguing actors, and an analysis of how a film can reinforce a strong book, then I would highly recommend East of Eden this holiday season.
Happy New Year everyone and here's to our chance to make 2021 a time of action where we seize every opportunity which is in our reach!
1/1/21