Review of Rebel Without a Cause (1955) by Mark D — 17 Jan 2010

This film is completely enjoyable, nicely shot, well acted, powerful, and effectively captures the stress of that teenager confusion and anger. It also takes a psychological look at the concerns of a teen and how they have needs and are growing people. They have growing minds and imaginations that can go wild. If they are not restrained, they become rebellious like the ones in this film. It still holds up in today?s times too.

James Dean plays Jim Stark (It?s a tragic and moving role, one any viewer is unlikely to forget), a disturbed teen who?s come to a new city with his parents. His parents don?t give him the love and respect he needs. That is why he is rebellious. He then discovers a girl (Wood) who gives Stark what he wants.

If you've ever wondered why James Dean is a legend, this is the movie to watch. It completely explains why in many people's mind, he remains the embodiment of cool and teenage angst. "Rebel Without a Cause" reached out to an whole generation of disaffected youth. They were all surprised to find out that Dean died in a car crash and that is on-screen performance resembled his actual self. This was also the first film to really recognize teenage rebellion. In the film, that?s only one of the problems and sometimes too much love is the issue. None of these characters are bad, just misunderstood.

The acting is good for the most part, even though Wood is occasionally a bit too melodramatic and Dean tries a bit too hard to be cool. It?s a tragic and moving role, one any viewer is unlikely to forget. All the characters remain as likable and emotionally connectible today as when the film was initially released. "Rebel Without a Cause" is more than just an American icon, it?s a truly great movie.