Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
1955’s Rebel Without a Cause is a remarkably interesting movie. This movie has received plenty of hype due to James Dean’s ultra-cool image. The movie has more than its looks going for it. It is a story that any teenager can relate to. The story of the rebellious child. We have all been there and done that. This is one of the earliest films to accurately portray what teenagers go through during this phase in life. Sure, life may have been different in 1955 than 2005, but I understand the thoughts and actions portrayed on screen.
The characterization is what makes this film stand the test of time. Director Nicholas Ray and screenwriter Stewart Stern understand their characters very well, and so did the actors. The main character, Jim appears tough on the outside and fits the “cool” image from the 1950’s. But in his interior, he has an exceptionally soft heart. There is violent and lonely Plato. All he needs and wants is a friend in his life. Finally, there is Judy. Judy hangs with the cool kids because all she wants to do is fit in, no matter her personality. To those who attended school at any point in time, doesn’t these traits sound familiar? As a 21st century schoolkid, they certainly do. So, the themes here are timeless. The film received mixed reviews back in the day because society believed that “juvenile delinquency” was rampant. This movie suggests, in a positive way, that therapy could be helpful for kids and parents may not always be there the way they should for their kid (and I am not talking about abuse, but perhaps lack of communication).
The film does have some tragedy to its name. James Dean was going to be a huge star. He previously starred in East of Eden and his 1956 film was Giant. These three films were the only films he made. About a month prior to this film’s release, Dean was in a very unfortunate car accident that cost him his life. It was a tragedy for the young star, but it gave his posthumous film more publicity. People think about that accident when they think about this film it seems. Dean was an extraordinarily talented actor and he proves it here depicting teenage angst in an accurate way.
Jim Stark (James Dean) is a troubled teenager. He recently moved to a new town with his weak father, Frank (Jim Backus) and his overbearing mother, Carol (Ann Doran) because of his troubles. It looks like they would continue when he is picked up in the street for drunkenness. At his new school, he meets a group of people including his new enemy, Buzz. Buzz dares him to a game of chicken which results in stolen cars and loss of life. Along with his new friend, Plato (Sal Mineo) and his new romantic interest, Judy (Natalie Wood), they must avoid the police and the goons who believe they would tattle to the police.
I thought all the performances were good, especially for James Dean. It was tragic he lost his life at such a young age because he had a big career ahead of him. He really captured how tough youth can be…especially when lost. In the police station, after his parents were called in and they started arguing, Dean finally broke down with that big quote, “I can’t take it anymore.” That performance tortured my poor soul. Natalie Wood and Sal Mineo did very well in their respective roles. When it came to the personalities of their characters, they were spot on. Credit is due to the actors playing the parents. It was hard to watch Jim Backus portray the father, but it shows that not all fathers are strong, hard-willed men as seen in most films. There were also some sexual thoughts in the air. Judy kissed her father on the lips, so I thought that was something interesting, and once again a realistic thought.
Nicholas Ray did an extraordinary job directing Rebel Without a Cause. People back in the day shrugged the movie off, but he actually made his characters extremely relatable. His style choices also paid off including the color of Jim’s jacket. While not the most perfect movie (outdated lines of dialogue), I was hooked because of these relatable characters and their chemistry. Filmed in Cinemascope, the film has a sleek, “cool” look to it. Its one of the early movies to study the mind of these teenagers.
My Grade: A-
1955’s Rebel Without a Cause is a remarkably interesting movie. This movie has received plenty of hype due to James Dean’s ultra-cool image. The movie has more than its looks going for it. It is a story that any teenager can relate to. The story of the rebellious child. We have all been there and done that. This is one of the earliest films to accurately portray what teenagers go through during this phase in life. Sure, life may have been different in 1955 than 2005, but I understand the thoughts and actions portrayed on screen.
The characterization is what makes this film stand the test of time. Director Nicholas Ray and screenwriter Stewart Stern understand their characters very well, and so did the actors. The main character, Jim appears tough on the outside and fits the “cool” image from the 1950’s. But in his interior, he has an exceptionally soft heart. There is violent and lonely Plato. All he needs and wants is a friend in his life. Finally, there is Judy. Judy hangs with the cool kids because all she wants to do is fit in, no matter her personality. To those who attended school at any point in time, doesn’t these traits sound familiar? As a 21st century schoolkid, they certainly do. So, the themes here are timeless. The film received mixed reviews back in the day because society believed that “juvenile delinquency” was rampant. This movie suggests, in a positive way, that therapy could be helpful for kids and parents may not always be there the way they should for their kid (and I am not talking about abuse, but perhaps lack of communication).
The film does have some tragedy to its name. James Dean was going to be a huge star. He previously starred in East of Eden and his 1956 film was Giant. These three films were the only films he made. About a month prior to this film’s release, Dean was in a very unfortunate car accident that cost him his life. It was a tragedy for the young star, but it gave his posthumous film more publicity. People think about that accident when they think about this film it seems. Dean was an extraordinarily talented actor and he proves it here depicting teenage angst in an accurate way.
Jim Stark (James Dean) is a troubled teenager. He recently moved to a new town with his weak father, Frank (Jim Backus) and his overbearing mother, Carol (Ann Doran) because of his troubles. It looks like they would continue when he is picked up in the street for drunkenness. At his new school, he meets a group of people including his new enemy, Buzz. Buzz dares him to a game of chicken which results in stolen cars and loss of life. Along with his new friend, Plato (Sal Mineo) and his new romantic interest, Judy (Natalie Wood), they must avoid the police and the goons who believe they would tattle to the police.
I thought all the performances were good, especially for James Dean. It was tragic he lost his life at such a young age because he had a big career ahead of him. He really captured how tough youth can be…especially when lost. In the police station, after his parents were called in and they started arguing, Dean finally broke down with that big quote, “I can’t take it anymore.” That performance tortured my poor soul. Natalie Wood and Sal Mineo did very well in their respective roles. When it came to the personalities of their characters, they were spot on. Credit is due to the actors playing the parents. It was hard to watch Jim Backus portray the father, but it shows that not all fathers are strong, hard-willed men as seen in most films. There were also some sexual thoughts in the air. Judy kissed her father on the lips, so I thought that was something interesting, and once again a realistic thought.
Nicholas Ray did an extraordinary job directing Rebel Without a Cause. People back in the day shrugged the movie off, but he actually made his characters extremely relatable. His style choices also paid off including the color of Jim’s jacket. While not the most perfect movie (outdated lines of dialogue), I was hooked because of these relatable characters and their chemistry. Filmed in Cinemascope, the film has a sleek, “cool” look to it. Its one of the early movies to study the mind of these teenagers.
My Grade: A-
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