Giant is a 1955 drama film that follows the family of a Texas cattle rancher for 25 years. Throughout the story, the strengths and weaknesses of the characters are revealed slowly and methodically. The cinematography is impressive, and the directing is superb. The film shows a story of poverty, wealth, prejudice, and racial discrimination. This all revolves around one Texas ranch- The Reata. The Ranch is run by Jordan Benedict (Rock Hudson) and his sister, Luz (Mercedes McCambridge). The Mexican Americans on their farm are treated with disdain. Benedict travels to Maryland to buy a handsome stallion; he meets the more beautiful Leslie (Elizabeth Taylor). After getting married, Leslie moves to the Ranch, where she realizes that social changes are her life goal. There is also Jett Rink (James Dean), who is jealous of Jordan’s success. When he strikes oil, he becomes a billionaire instantly.
Elizabeth Taylor was 23 years old at that time. Her previous work with George Stevens in 1951’s ‘A Place in the Sun’ demonstrated her talent. While she wasn’t Stevens’ first choice for this picture, she again rose to the top. The movie was a big hit at the box office. When its original studio release was in 1956, Giant sold 35 million tickets, setting a Warner Brothers record for ticket sales. This record was not surpassed until the Warner Brothers film Superman in the late 1970s.
