Giant (1956)

Embroidered with ambition and sprawled across the vast canvas of Texas, "Giant" is an epic tale that transcends two generations of Texans. The story unfolds amidst the towering oil rigs and sweeping ranchlands, exploring a myriad of themes including racism, the subjugation of women, and moral decay. At the heart of this three-hour and twenty-one-minute narrative lies the complex relationship between Jordan "Bick" Benedict Jr., a Texas rancher played by Rock Hudson, and his enchanting wife Leslie, portrayed by Dame Elizabeth Taylor. Their life journey is a turbulent tapestry of generational conflict and societal transformation, spun in the backdrop of the magnificent Lone Star State. The narrative begins as Bick travels to a Maryland farm to acquire a prize horse, only to be smitten with Leslie, the owner's daughter. Their whirlwind romance culminates in a swift marriage, drawing Leslie into Bick's world where the Texan aristocracy and sprawling ranches reign supreme. However, it's the looming figure of Jett Rink, a cowboy turned oil tycoon played by James Dean, that truly encapsulates the spirit of this cinematic masterpiece. From striding across his humble plot of land to becoming a formidable force in the oil industry, Rink's rise epitomizes the clash between the old-world aristocracy and the burgeoning nouveau riche. The memorable scene where Rink smears his oil-soaked hand over the pristine white columns of Benedict's porch, is a profound symbol of the film's theme - the indelible imprint of materialism on the pillars of refinement, and the impending collision between the established elite and the newly wealthy. In this compelling saga of power, love, and wealth, the characters wrestle with their destinies, and the echoes of a friend's warning to Bick about Jett Rink resonate ominously - "You should have shot that fella a long time ago. Now he's too rich to kill." Thus, "Giant" stands as a timeless chronicle of the struggles and triumphs, the rising and falling fortunes, of its unforgettable characters.

Giant is a drama movie featuring Elizabeth Taylor.

It is possible to buy Giant on AMC on Demand, Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube or rent it on Spectrum On Demand.