Review of Rebel Without a Cause (1955) by Mike C — 06 Jun 2010

I have to think if Dean had not died so soon after making this film, it would hardly be put as high on a pedastal. It's not overly bad...remember it was made in 1955...but it has plenty of bad parts.

First, the casting. Sorry, Dean is never believable as a high schooler. He was 23-24 when making the movie and seems even older, as does much of the cast. Interesting note: it is Dennis Hopper's first real movie.

The premise is a bit sketchy. Someone calls you a chicken so you have to fight to the death to defend your honor? Undoubtedly people did these things 60 years ago, but it seems a bit silly in 2010. After the accident, Dean and Wood more or less go about their business as if her friend had not just died.

That seems a bit outlandish as well. Finally, there is the whole Plato subplot. It just seems like a stretch and a distraction given its cliche and unbelievable nature. Throw in some bad sound mixing and some bad dialogue, and you've really got an average movie, regardless of the case.

Another interesting note: while watching, Paula Abdul's "Rush, Rush" kept coming to mind. I knew the basic idea of the video, but upon rewatching it, it's a clear homage to Rebel.