Review of Rebel Without a Cause (1955) by Liam K — 04 Dec 2009
James Dean, who only made three films in his entire career, is one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. "Rebel" was the second film where he got the title role, mainly due to the success of the first film, "East of Eden".
Based on the physcology book with the same title, the movie exploits affluent teenagers of the 1950s as being out of control due to their relationships with family and friends. In the middle of it all is Dean's character, Jim Stark is a misunderstood teenager who wants acceptance and understanding from his parents.
The beggining credits of the film shows Jim being drunk playing with a toy monkey in the middle of the street, late into the night. This shows his sadness and lonliness without any words except for the riveting score in the background.
By the end of the credits, police sierns go off and soon, we are brought to the police station where Jim has been taking to. There, we are also introduced to the other two main characters Judy and Plaato, played by Natalie Wood and Sal Mineo.
They are also misunderstood teenagers who have their inner demons. As the film continues, we find out that Jim has moved into a new town again, due to "his" behavior. His parents try to bribe him into being the perfect son, by buying him anything he wants.
The only problem is that is not what he wants. The entire film is a look at why people act the way they do. It doesn't so much point fingers, but rather try to recognize the issues young people have to go through.
The film is a classic that deserves to be one of the greatest movies of all time.
This review of Rebel Without a Cause (1955) was written by Liam K on 04 Dec 2009.
Rebel Without a Cause has generally received very positive reviews.
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