On G List of Movie Reviews
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Giant (1956)
Rate:
10
Viewed:
7/12, 1/17
7/12:
Giant should be aptly retitled Texas because it's what the film is all about: the exaltation and
embracement of Texan values which can be off-putting for some viewers.
However, it's a subtly made picture that's blown up to an epic, hence the title. Many will see it just for
James Dean's final performance. But his role is so small that he's overshadowed by the magnitude of the film.
Hence, East of Eden remains the best work of James Dean's short but brilliant Hollywood career. I wonder how many
more classics he would've had in his oeuvre if he didn't die tragically young.
Meanwhile, Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor are the stars of the show, and they're both outstanding. But the
biggest winner of them all is George Stevens' direction because Giant is a top 50 picture if I've seen one.
It's almost like Citizen Kane and Gone with the Wind all rolled into one.
All in all, never mind the film's running length, Giant is a spectacle.
1/17:
Giant is a timeless classic and an epic one at that.
This is James Dean's final picture. I've wondered how many more classic films were left in him and how many Oscars he
would've won. James Dean's Jett Rink is a complicated character and steals the show whenever he appears.
But honestly, this is Rock Hudson's movie. What a marvelous job he has done. The movie is about the changing
times and the willingness of a big man to change with the times. Bick Benedict proves he can do it. Although mostly
relegated to a supporting role, Elizabeth Taylor is great. She knows how to be classy.
Racism is a big deal throughout. It's sad to watch and so unnecessary. By the way, the famous painting is
called "Venting Cattle on the Frisco System" by Frank Van Ness, and it now hangs at the Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas.
All in all, Giant is a classic Texas picture.