Giant (1956)

American epic Western drama film directed by George Stevens, starring Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson and James Dean.

Giant earns its imposing name with a towering narrative supported by striking cinematography, big ideas, and powerful work from a trio of legendary Hollywood leads.
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus

Story: Sprawling epic covering the life of a Texas cattle rancher and his family and associates. (IMDb)

Where to watch Giant?

A Slow Burn with Big Rewards: Why “Giant” (1956) Demands Your Time

– Retrospective & Movie Review –

So, you’ve settled in with some popcorn, ready to dive into the cinematic world of “Giant” (1956). But what makes this film, beyond its sprawling Texas landscapes and iconic cast, truly stand out? Buckle up, because we’re about to unpack the most unique thread woven into the tapestry of “Giant”: its expansive use of time.

Now, using time in a movie isn’t exactly groundbreaking, right? But “Giant” takes it to a whole new level. It doesn’t just tell a story; it inhabits time. Let’s break it down.

Firstly, the film’s sheer running time is a bold statement. Clocking in at over three hours, it defies the conventions of its era, where most films stayed under two hours. This allows the story to unfold organically, without the need for rushed exposition or abrupt leaps forward. We witness characters age, relationships evolve, and the world around them transform, all at a natural pace.

Think about it like this: instead of flipping through a photo album with snapshots, “Giant” lets you experience life alongside the characters. You witness the subtle shifts in their appearance, the gradual changes in their mannerisms, and the weight of time etched on their faces. It’s a slow burn, but it allows for a deeper emotional connection and a richer understanding of their journeys.

Giant (1956), Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, Movie Review

But “Giant” doesn’t just stretch time horizontally. It also plays with its verticality through flashbacks and flash-forwards. We see glimpses of the past that illuminate the present and hints of the future that add layers of complexity to the characters’ motivations. This non-linear storytelling disrupts the traditional cause-and-effect narrative, forcing us to consider the past’s lingering impact and the potential consequences of the present.

For instance, the film opens with a flashback to Jordan “Bick” Benedict’s (Rock Hudson) childhood, showing his deep connection to the land and his family’s legacy. This scene, while brief, becomes crucial in understanding his later struggles to reconcile his traditional values with the changing world around him.

Furthermore, “Giant” seamlessly integrates historical events into its narrative, anchoring the fictional story in a broader context. We witness the discovery of oil, the rise of labor movements, and the changing political climate, all of which significantly impact the lives of the characters. This interweaving of fiction and reality creates a sense of historical authenticity and allows the film to explore the social and economic forces shaping the characters’ destinies.

However, the film’s most unique use of time lies in its exploration of generational shifts. “Giant” spans over three decades, following the lives of the Benedicts across three generations. We witness the transition from the traditional cattle ranching way of life to the booming oil industry, and the subsequent clash of values between generations.

Bick, representing the older generation, clings to the fading glory of the past and struggles to adapt to the changing world. His wife, Leslie (Elizabeth Taylor), embodies the spirit of transition, caught between her Eastern upbringing and the harsh realities of Texas life.

And finally, their children, Jett Rink’s (James Dean) daughter Luz and the younger generation of Benedicts, inherit the consequences of their parents’ choices and forge their own paths amidst a rapidly changing world.

Through this exploration of time and generational shifts, “Giant” compels us to consider the cyclical nature of history, where the past shapes the present, and the present lays the foundation for the future. It challenges us to reflect on how our own lives are shaped by the choices of those who came before us and the choices we make that will impact generations to come.

So, the next time you watch “Giant,” remember, it’s not just a film; it’s a time capsule, a sprawling tapestry woven with the threads of history, personal journeys, and the enduring human spirit. It’s an experience that lingers long after the credits roll, prompting us to contemplate the passage of time and its profound impact on our lives and the world around us.

Stephen Galen Estevan

A cinephile whose love for the Silver Screen transcends eras and genres. Armed with a deep passion for films, from classic masterpieces to contemporary gems, I’m on a lifelong quest to explore all 100+ years of Cinema, one Frame at a time. Care to join the adventure?

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