Confusing Title, Epic Filmmaking

I was all set to enjoy this 3 1/2 hour epic from 1956, from a director that had brought me my favorite film ever in 1951- A Place in the Sun (also starring Elizabeth Taylor). But while that film had a strong narrative I could follow, Giant is a big mess. But still entertaining.

The film's title is confusing. I thought it was going to be a movie about fairy tales based on GIANT. Nope. Nothing to do with that. It has to do with Texas, and Rock Hudson and James Dean striking oil. So it was called Giant because of their wealth? Or because Texas is a big state?

Elizabeth Taylor plays a southern belle who falls in love with Rock Hudson because...well because he's rich I guess. He takes her on a train ride to their new ranch one night after they secretly marry, and her first comment is: "That's Texas??" Its nothing but an ugly dust bowl. Their house is huge, or GIANT I guess.

Hudson's sister shows up. Played by Oscar winner Mercedes Cambridge (All the King's Men, 1949)- she's one ugly duckling. Mannish, cruel, no makeup. Interesting but there's no reason why she's mean to Taylor other then jealousy. Too bad she leaves us too soon.

Taylor by the way, is beautiful. But because she is only 5'2, you can see the weight gain slowly creeping up on her. She was at her best when she was petite with the breasts perfect (A Place in the Sun, Suddenly Last Summer). But when she gained weight, she comes off shrill and chubby (Watch Cleopatra--- she's actually too fat in my eyes to play the role).

Her character is the most sympathetic. I was very impressed with her acting here, and she surely deserved an Oscar nod if her male co-stars got them. She also is miles better here then Raintree County. I like her character's growth. I really wish her and Mercedes had more scenes together but (SPOILER)------ Hudson's sister is killed in a senseless accident.

The male leads. Rock Hudson is certainly sweeping, but not that awards worthy. More or less consistent. His character is unlikable. Boorish, conservative, and quite cruel. He doesn't take Leslie seriously at all. He interrupts her when she tries to join in on a conversation regarding politics, and tells her "this here is men's talk." Couldn't stand him.

James Dean is more interesting, but based on his behavior on the set (him and George Stevens didn't get long; nor did he or Hudson) I found him rather weird. His mannerisms, ticks and voice seemed like that of a method actor in a entire different universe. Many praise Dean as a legend simply because he died so young- weeks after principal shooting was done for this film. He seemed to be a jerk. I couldn't quite understand all the fuss. Only Rebel without a Cause and East of Eden were noteworthy. WHY Was he nominated for Lead Actor for Giant?? He is def supporting, and probably would have won had he been placed there. He's barely in the movie and when he is, he doesn't get interesting until after he strikes oil.

The film won George Stevens his second Best Director Oscar, following A Place in the Sun (which was robbed of Best Picture to the forgettable American in Paris, A). This time Giant lost to the inferior Around the World in 80 Days (which is more renown for its ending animated credits then anything before that). 1956 was a year for the epics, with The King and I (my favorite) and The Ten Commandments also in contention for Best Picture, and Decision by Dawn I believe. Giant lost best actor (Hudson and Dean split votes no doubt), but the winner Yul Brynner was deserving.

Elizabeth Taylor was not nominated. Many think the reason she was nominated the following year for Raintree County was because of her failure to be cited here. She would be nominated four consecutive times following this film- in Raintree County, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Suddenly Last Summer, and Butterfield 8- the latter winning her her first Oscar. Even if that movie is trash, the first 10 minutes are legendary. Taylor doesn't even have to speak. It's her presence on camera that earned her the trophy. She would win her second Oscar six years later in Mike Nichols debut Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? where her weight gain actually works in her favor, and she has a more natural look.

The over all presence of the film is breathtaking. The music in particular is a standout, as are the massive scenes on the ranch. It was noted to be a modern Gone with the Wind, and it certainly has the feeling of a great southern tale. But unlike Scarlett, I found Taylor's character much more warm.

I was disappointed Taylor didn't divorce Hudson. Their marriage was a boring yawn. She should have married James Dean.

FINAL GRADE: B