Conversation so far:
What is East of Eden?
East of Eden is a 1955 film, directed by Elia Kazan, and loosely based on the second half of the 1952 novel of the same name by John Steinbeck.
How is James Dean connected to the book East of Eden?
James Dean's first major screen role was in East of Eden.
Did James Dean audition for East of Eden?
Dean was hired after one audition.
When was the movie East of Eden released?
March 9, 1955.
What else is significant about the film East of Eden?
Actor Leonardo DiCaprio stated in an interview with MTV that East of Eden was the film that made him obsessed with movies.

Question: What role did he play?
Self-contained rewrite: What role did James Dean play in East of Eden?