Giant Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Texan marries a Marylander, and then they both get old and deal with oil and James Dean, who also gets old and sad.

🍿 Giant: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Texas Cattle Baron and His Eastern Bride

Jordan ‘Bick’ Benedict, a wealthy Texas cattle rancher, travels to Maryland to purchase a horse and meets Leslie Lynnton, a headstrong and independent young woman. They quickly fall in love and marry, bringing Leslie back to Bick’s sprawling ranch, Reata, in Texas.

Culture Clash and Social Tensions

Leslie struggles to adjust to the patriarchal Texan society and clashes with Bick’s sister, Luz, who is fiercely protective of Reata and her family’s legacy. Leslie’s progressive views on race and class further challenge the status quo, leading to tension and conflict within the Benedict family and the wider community.

Oil Discovery and Family Strife

Jett Rink, a disgruntled ranch hand, discovers oil on a small plot of land he inherits from Luz. He strikes it rich and becomes a powerful oil tycoon, rivaling Bick’s wealth and influence. Over the years, the Benedict family faces internal conflicts, including marital problems, generational differences, and the pressures of wealth and societal expectations.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Leslie Benedict (Elizabeth Taylor): A refined and independent woman from Maryland who marries a Texas rancher and challenges the social norms of the time.
• Jordan ‘Bick’ Benedict Jr. (Rock Hudson): A wealthy Texas cattle rancher who struggles to adapt to changing times and evolving social values.
• Jett Rink (James Dean): A poor ranch hand who strikes oil and becomes a powerful, yet tormented, rival to the Benedicts.
• Luz Benedict (Mercedes McCambridge): Bick’s strong-willed sister who resents Leslie’s presence and leaves a fateful inheritance to Jett.
• Jordan Benedict III (Dennis Hopper): Bick and Leslie’s son who defies his father’s expectations to become a doctor, challenging traditional family roles.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jett Rink: “I got a lot of money, Bick. More than you’ll ever have.” – Said after Jett strikes oil on his inherited land, marking a shift in power dynamics.
• Leslie Benedict: “Money isn’t everything, Jett.” – Leslie confronts Jett about his obsession with wealth and status.
• Jett Rink: “Not when you’ve got it.” – Jett’s cynical reply highlights his newfound power and materialistic worldview.
• Bick Benedict: “Now you listen to me. What you think you’re doing? You gonna run a place where you don’t serve Mexicans?” – Bick confronts a diner owner about his racist policies, marking his moral growth.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5,400,000
• Domestic Gross: $32,855,818
• Worldwide Gross: $32,857,066

💥 Giant Reviews

Personal Review

I watched Giant for the first time last night, and I was blown away. Sure, it’s long, but it really immerses you in the Benedict family’s world. I really connected with Leslie’s character, she’s so ahead of her time! Plus, James Dean’s performance is haunting. The scene where he discovers oil gave me chills!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood epics”
  • “Viewers interested in historical dramas about Texas”
  • “Those who appreciate strong performances from Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean”
  • “Anyone interested in social commentary about race and class in mid-20th century America”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Racist language and attitudes reflecting the time period”
  • “Alcohol abuse”
  • “Mature themes related to adultery and social inequality”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Giant is a sprawling saga that blends family drama with commentary on Texas society. Elizabeth Taylor shines as the progressive Leslie, challenging traditional norms, while Rock Hudson portrays the evolving Bick. James Dean delivers a memorable performance as the troubled Jett Rink.
• The New York Times: “George Stevens directs Giant with a steady hand, capturing the grandeur of the Texas landscape and the intimate struggles of its characters. The film’s exploration of racism and social change remains relevant, even if the pacing feels slow at times. The performances elevate the material.
• Los Angeles Times: “Giant is an ambitious epic that grapples with complex themes of wealth, prejudice, and family legacy. While the film’s length can be daunting, the compelling performances of Taylor, Hudson, and Dean make it a worthwhile viewing experience. Its cultural impact endures.

Audience Reactions

Elizabeth Taylor’s performance was absolutely captivating!: Most viewers admired Elizabeth Taylor and her powerful performance.

James Dean’s intensity made Jett Rink unforgettable.: Viewers agree Dean’s portrayal was unique and contributed significantly to the movie’s impact.

Overall Consensus: Giant is a grand, sweeping epic that explores themes of family, wealth, and social change. While long, its compelling performances and impactful themes make it a classic.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Director)- 1957

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “James Dean’s scenes were among the last filmed before his death. Nick Adams dubbed some of Dean’s lines in post-production due to audio issues.”
• “Director George Stevens shot over 600,000 feet of film for Giant, with less than 5% making it into the final cut.”
• “Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson became close friends during filming, often indulging in nightly partying and drinking.”

🖥️ How to Watch Giant?

Giant (1956) is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD can be purchased from major retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Giant, you might like these similar films:

• East of Eden (1955): Another iconic James Dean performance exploring themes of family conflict and generational differences.
• There Will Be Blood (2007): A modern epic about the dark side of the oil industry and the destructive nature of ambition, echoing Jett Rink’s trajectory.
• Dallas (1978-1991): A sprawling television series about a wealthy Texas family involved in the oil business, sharing similar themes of wealth, power, and family rivalries.
• The Magnificent Ambersons (1942): Explores the decline of a wealthy family and the changing American landscape, paralleling the Benedicts’ struggle with modernization.

🛒 Giant Related Products

• Giant (Special Edition) [Blu-ray]: A beautifully restored Blu-ray edition with bonus content including behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and documentaries. Perfect for collectors and film enthusiasts who want to experience Giant in the best possible quality.
• James Dean: Rebel Life: A comprehensive biography chronicling James Dean’s life, career, and untimely death. Includes rare photos and insights into his roles, providing a deeper understanding of the actor behind Jett Rink.
• Texas Ranch Life Puzzle: A challenging and visually stunning jigsaw puzzle featuring iconic scenes from ‘Giant’ and Texas ranch life. Perfect for puzzle enthusiasts and movie lovers alike, offering hours of engaging entertainment.
• Reata Ranch Ceramic Coffee Mug: High-quality ceramic mug emblazoned with an image of Reata Ranch. Perfect for enjoying your morning coffee while you relive your memories of Giant.

🎧 Soundtrack

Giant features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Giant (This Then Is Texas)” – performed by Dimitri Tiomkin

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

CLASSIC MOVIE REVIEW: Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean & Rock Hudson in GIANT from STEVE HAYES

Want to know if ‘Giant’ lives up to its name? Steve Hayes breaks down this epic film, highlighting the powerhouse performances of Taylor, Dean, and Hudson. Honestly, his insights made me appreciate the movie even more!

✨ Rate