Review of Rebel Without a Cause (1955) by Dr M — 03 May 2010

I was age 14 in 1955 when this movie premiered, althought I don't think I saw it until a couple years after James Dean was already dead. This movie supposedly typifies the youth of my father's generation, and perhaps it did that very well. But it came to be an icon for my generation, which I think it might be in some ways, but only to the extent that many in my generation seemed to deliberately emulate the confusion that was James Dean.

For anyone who wants to "study" the youth of the nineteen fifties, this would seem a requisite "documentary." But I do not think it does us justice -- it was not the fifities that I remember. I don't remember being confused - just moneyless.

Regardless of my own view, there does seem to be some universality to the theme of an over-indulged youth, overly critical of their parent's values, unsure what their own values should be, and with far too much idle time on their hands. Such a theme reoccurs in every generation, the only differences being the particular values in flux.

James Dean plays the part of the confused youth so well, I think, because he was himself confused about the meaning of life. And I would surmise, that's why he died so young.

James Dean was nobody I ever wanted to emulate -- he was just too confused. But I did hve a few friends that seemed to be just like him -- and in my view, wound up wasting their potential.

Depite my philosopical reservations about the accurate portrayal of a generation, I do like the movie - especially Natalie Wood. But, if she wasn't in it, I probably wouldn't care for it.

Now, having written a review that says little to nothing of the storyline, I would suggest your just watch the movie, because it is a classic, and form your own opinion.