Netflix does it again with a hauntingly brilliant screen adaptation this time of John Steinbeck’s novel East of Eden.
The seven-part limited series directed by Garth Davis is a modern and multi-generational retelling of the Biblical stories of Cain and Abel and the fall of Adam and Eve. The story opens by focusing on the upbringing of the Trask brothers Adam (Christopher Abbott) and Charles (Mike Faist), whose characters are the first generation of brothers to represent Cain and Abel, respectively, and continues with Cathy Ame’s (Florence Pugh) childhood history. Through this, we learn the motivations behind the characters’ later actions.
It proves that directors can take on literary giants and win out with a totally successful adaptation to screen
Pugh gives a standout and stellar performance as Cathy Ames, embodying a character with such depth and complexity. Alongside her, Abbott and Faist to give immaculate and visceral performances of the brothers and the experiences they endure.
The plot that unfolds across the seven episodes of the limited series masterfully stays true to that of the book but does indeed have some notable differences: the TV adaptation humanises Cathy, giving the audience a look into her background, therefore allowing a deeper look into the effects of childhood trauma. The character behind the narrator also differs; in the book, the narrator is male; however, the series chooses to have Cathy narrate the story. I believe this allows the plot to focus on the character more effectively; thus, Kazan creates a female-centred perspective (An example being the labour scene), causing a feminist shift rather than Steinbeck’s original text.
Hauntingly brilliant screen adaptation this time of John Steinbeck’s novel
East of Eden is a testament to Kazan’s skill, with stunning visuals, incredible cast performances, and a compelling and dramatic storyline to match. It proves that directors can take on literary giants and win out with a totally successful adaptation to the screen.
