Since this is the last CinemaJen column I will ever write, I decided I needed to end the year by watching a movie that starred an incredible actress, an actress who will never be forgotten–the timeless Elizabeth Taylor.
The movie I watched, Giant, features Rock Hudson and James Dean alongside Taylor. Giant was filmed in Marfa, Texas, and tells the story of a rancher (Hudson) and his Maryland-native wife (Taylor). Giant shows the life of the people on the ranch and the ranch itself. With the discovery of oil on the ranch, Hudson’s character struggles between ranching traditions versus the oil boom. As the years progress, the ranch, and its inhabitants, begin to change.
There is something enchanting about watching older movies. They are both dynamic and interesting, even though they aren’t digitally enhanced and don’t contain special effects. It seems like the story lines are better in older movies, and the characters are more distinct. I loved the characters in Giant.
My favorite character was definitely the character played by Taylor. She was full of sass and demanded respect. Taylor’s character believed in the modern woman, even though she was married to an old-fashioned man. She was a woman ahead of her time. Hudson played a typical old-fashioned man–believing women to be delicate and unable to speak on subjects that matter. Throughout the movie, Hudson’s character eventually loosens his mind set and adapts to his ever-changing world. Dean plays the tragic hero, a character I initially liked, but later felt sorry for. Dean’s greasy looks, charming character and Southern drawl made him a heartthrob–for me anyway. Maybe that’s why I liked his character so much. This is one of only a few chances to see this actor in action. He made only five movies. Giant was released in 1956 after his death in a car accident in 1955.
Giant is sort of like an uncharted history of Texas. The movie shows the progression of issues the character’s face like prejudice due to segregation.
Elizabeth Taylor is an actress who will never be forgotten. Her classy demeanor and stunning features will forever make her an icon. Giant is a wonderful movie for fans who enjoy classic movies with great actors.
