The Movie Journal

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. ...

Mister Roberts (1955) In the late 1940’s-1950’s, many war movies were produced, which isn’t surprising considering World War 2 had just ended. 1955’s Mister Roberts is one of those war movies, but it takes on a different perspective. There are no battles, no gory deaths, or anything similar. Instead, we have a crew of 62 men spending almost a year on a battleship yearning for a little piece of the action. Essentially, this movie goes in detail about how life is on a warship away from battle. Story-wise, this isn’t the best Broadway adaptation as there were some clunky moments. The film mostly works thanks to the tremendous acting of the four leads: Henry Fonda, James Cagney, William Powell, and Jack Lemmon. The film also experienced behind-the-scenes drama that was almost interesting as the movie itself. Mister Roberts has two credited directors: John Ford and Mervyn LeRoy. John Ford has long been known as a director no one gets along with. Ford often clashed with the actor...