Children of Giant (2015)

Children of GIANT is a documentary film that unearths deeply wrought emotions in the small West Texas town of Marfa, before, during and after the month-long production of George Stevens' 1956 feature film, Giant. Based on the controversial Edna Ferber novel of the same name, the film, Giant did not shy from strong social-issue themes experienced throughout post-WWII America. George Stevens, its producer and director, purposely gravitated to the drought-ridden community of Marfa for most all of the exterior scenes.

Film Overview
"Children of Giant" is a 2015 documentary film directed by Hector Galán, which explores the production and effect of the 1956 epic drama film "Giant". Launched on PBS, "Children of Giant" checks out the cultural and social implications of the traditional movie and its portrayal of bigotry and partition. "Giant" was based upon the unique by Edna Ferber and starred significant Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean, and Rock Hudson.

Plot
The documentary provides a combination of point of views, consisting of behind-the-scenes video and accounts from the residents of Marfa, Texas, where the initial film was filmed. Use of interviews and dialogue presents different viewpoints about the 1956 film's impact on their town and how it mirrored the state of racial stress in Texas.

Cultural and Social Themes
"Children of Giant" checks out the concern of partition and bigotry, mirroring the styles of its moms and dad movie, "Giant". It reflects on the ethnic division of Texans, including the reduced voice of Mexican-Americans, evidence of the white supremacy apparent at the time. The motion picture developed an honest discussion about problems such as racial discrimination, desegregation, and equal rights, triggering residents to challenge past injustices.

Reality Impact
The documentary emphasized the real-life effects of the film's portrayal of racial bias. In Marfa, Texas, the recording of "Giant" was monumental and was considered as a minute for the town to shine on the global phase. However, "Children of Giant" demonstrated how it likewise resulted in a realization and acknowledgment of the rampant racism existing in their town. The motion picture improved their understanding, triggering a stir in the town that remained well after the Hollywood crew left.

Behind-the-Scenes Information
"Children of Giant" supplies insight into the recording procedure of "Giant" with unusual behind-the-scenes video footage, revealing the interaction between the Hollywood film crew and the regional homeowners. It demonstrates the impact that the controversial social concerns raised in the film had on the stars and production crew.

Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, the documentary "Children of Giant" is an essential expedition of the impact movie can have on societal awareness and modification. This revealing memory of the classic film "Giant" connects the depiction of racism and partition in an imaginary narrative to the severe realities experienced in the town of Marfa, Texas. The film works as a stark suggestion of America's defects and the struggles that minority neighborhoods faced throughout the era of segregation. The documentary's strength lies in its genuine evaluation of a society in shift and its long lasting impact on generations, showing that film can serve as a powerful tool for sparking much-needed conversation on social problems.

Top Cast

  • Earl Holliman (small)
    Earl Holliman
    Himself - Interviewed
  • Elsa Cárdenas (small)
    Elsa Cárdenas
    Herself
  • George Stevens Jr.
    Himself
  • Robert Hinkle
    Himself - Interviewed
  • James R. Silke
    Himself - Interviewed
  • Ivan Moffat
    Himself - Interviewed
  • Charles Ramirez-Berg
    Himself - Interviewed
  • Chale Nafus
    Himself - Interviewed
  • J.E. Smyth
    Herself - Interviewed
  • Jaime Jiménez Pons
    Himself
  • James Dean (small)
    James Dean
    (archive footage)