Review of Rebel Without a Cause (1955) by Dustin G — 24 May 2012

Rebel Without A Cause, which was released seven months after East of Eden, and one month after Dean's death, hit the world like a hammer. Firstly, it came out on the heels of Dean's fatal car crash.

Second, it was controversial, depicting teenagers doing horrible things to each other like driving cars off cliffs and getting into knife fights and into fist fights with their parents. There were also people that didn't like that the film had cast someone like Dean as the rebellious teen.

Dean was cool, incredibly good looking and he bucked authority. Girls wanted him, boys wanted to be him. This was dangerous. The film has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the trials, anger and confusion associated with one's teen years.

And while that might have been true in 1955, it doesn't resonate as strong or true in 2012. Some of the violence and shock associated with the film upon its initial release seems mild by today's standards.

The film exists as a snapshot in time, rather than a blanket statement for the growing pains (emotional and physical) one faces going from a tad pole to a horny toad. Dean's performance is, again, a thing of great power and beauty though.