I just finished reading East of Eden and wanted to get some info about the movie. I realize it only focuses on a small portion of the book, but I don't see the character "Lee" listed and I'm totally confused. He was an integral part of the family's story. What's up?
shareI think the producers decided they could do without him in the movie and expanded Abra's role somewhat to encompass some of Lee's from the novel.
share[deleted]
It is, and yet another argument for judging book and film each on their own merits. Hollywood of the 1950s was utterly unequipped to take on a book of this breadth and depth.
I'd love to see a complete reimagining of this for film. I just watched A Home at the End of the World, and its mood and tone would be exactly right for a retelling of the whole novel - not just the final third of it, as this movie is. Steinbeck's work weaves a slow, contemplative magic that, in the right hands, could make a fabulous film.
There was a miniseries in 1981 which covered the whole novel, with Timothy Bottoms as Adam and Jane Seymour as Cathy/Kate. It was a good effort, but did not quite pull it off,despite Bottoms and Seymour being good in their roles.
Theree is a new film in the works, which will try to cover the entire novel.
Jennifer Lawrence has been cast as Cathy;they are going first class as far as production values goes.
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Oh, interesting! I hope they really grasp the soul of the book.
I vaguely remember the TV miniseries, but I was of an age where swooning over Timothy Bottoms was my first priority. ;) With what I recall of 1980s TV movies, I can't imagine it was a big success. Steinbeck with commercials: nope.