Giant - Movie Review

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

A more apt title you won't find for a movie, as Giant's sprawling epic covers some 30 years in the life of a Texas cattle baron (Hudson), his wife (Taylor), and the upstart kid who becomes rich by discovering oil on his small plot of land (Dean). Compelling in a Gone With the Wind style, yet far too long at almost 4 hours, Giant could have stood for some quite obvious cutting. How many Christmas carols, square dances, and Texas cowboy shanties can one man take?

Regardless, James Dean (in one of only three roles on film) makes quite an impression, and Taylor reminds us why we ever liked her to begin with. The cinematography is equally Giant as well -- showing off the dusty nothing of central Texas, long low plains with brush and low hills in the distant background. George Stevens (Shane) has always had a knack for landscapes, and he's at the top of his game here. On the new DVD (two restored discs, one of which is double-sided), Stevens' son asks us to reconsider the film and enjoy it one again, 45 years after the making. In a commentary track with critic Stephen Farmber and writer Ivan Moffat, he reflects on his departed father and the trio reflect on Giant's legacy. That second disc has all the usual retrospectives and testimonials we've come to expect.

And yes, it's really rated G. Check out Giant -- it's big!

The monster DVD includes commentary by a critic and the film's writers; a second disc includes two documentaries, plus various featurettes and archival material.

Blister in the sun.

Facts and Figures

Year: 1956

Run time: 201 mins

In Theaters: Saturday 24th November 1956

Box Office Worldwide: $35M

Budget: $5.4M

Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures

Production compaines: Warner Bros.

Reviews

Contactmusic.com: 3.5 / 5

Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
Fresh: 35 Rotten: 2

IMDB: 7.7 / 10

Cast & Crew

Director: George Stevens

Producer: Henry Ginsberg, George Stevens

Screenwriter: Fred Guiol, Ivan Moffat

Starring: Elizabeth Taylor as Leslie Lynnton Benedict, Rock Hudson as Jordan "Bick" Benedict Jr., James Dean as Jett Rink, Carroll Baker as Luz Benedict II, Jane Withers as Vashti Synthe, Chill Wills as Uncle Bawley, Mercedes McCambridge as Luz Benedict, Dennis Hopper as Jordan "Jordy" Benedict III, Sal Mineo as Angel Obregón II, Rod Taylor as Sir David Karfrey, Judith Evelyn as Mrs. Nancy Lynnton, Earl Holliman as 'Bob' Dace, Robert Nichols as Mort 'Pinky' Snythe, Paul Fix as Dr. Horace Lynnton, Alexander Scourby as Old Polo, Charles Watts as Judge Oliver Whiteside, Elsa Cárdenas as Juana Guerra Benedict, Carolyn Craig as Lacey Lynnton, Monte Hale as Bale Clinch, Sheb Wooley as Gabe Target, Mary Ann Edwards as Adarene Clinch, Victor Millan as Angel Obregón Sr., Mickey Simpson as Sarge, Pilar Del Rey as Mrs. Obregón, Maurice Jara as Dr. Guerra, Noreen Nash as Lona Lane, Ray Whitley as Watts, Napoleon Whiting as Jefferson Swazey, Fran Bennett as Judy Benedict

Also starring: Henry Ginsberg, George Stevens, Fred Guiol, Ivan Moffat