James Dean

[Snarky Oracle!]

If this deleted scene had remained in EAST OF EDEN, it might have explained more about the relationship between James Dean and Richard Davalos, as well as their dynamic with their father (Raymond Massey). And it would have been Davalos' best scene -- but Dean may have agreed, because I get the feeling Dean is trying to ruin it.

Elia Kazan once said that while Julie Harris was attempting to help Dean, this being his first major film, he was simultaneously trying to sabotage her.

 

[ClassyCo]

James Franco as James Dean:

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

Ugh.

 

[ClassyCo]

Ugh.

 

[Snarky Oracle!]

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Well, Franco's a bit tiresome; I don't mind weird that much, but he's a bit much.

Can you imagine Dean in a movie with Marilyn?

But when you become an icon in the 1950s, you're an icon more-or-less permanently.

 

[ClassyCo]

Well, Franco's a bit tiresome; I don't mind weird that much, but he's a bit much.

I don't believe I have any exposure to James Franco outside of his performance here as James Dean, which I thought was pretty good.

Can you imagine Dean in a movie with Marilyn?

I've read that director Nicholas Ray was planning on directing a movie called HEROIC LOVE starring Dean at the time of his death. Perhaps this could've been a duo-star vehicle for Dean and Monroe where he saves her from some unthinkable tragedy.

PS: I had the poster of Marilyn and James with the rose laying beside them hanging on my wall for a few years back when I was a teenager.