Review of Rebel Without a Cause (1955) by Tomas T — 07 May 2009

Rebel without a cause is movie with a lot to say, being one of the first movies totally devoted in showing the lives of frustrated and rebellious teens of the American 50s. The 50s were a exceptional time in the US, this was the time of the "Golden Generation" that won the war and pursued the American Dream all the way. Rebel Without a Cause takes up this setting and tells the story of rebellious children of these "perfect" families who are frustrated in not being to express their selfs.

The story works in it's simplicity, a rebellious young man Jim Starks is forced to move constantly with his family as they think this is a proper way to avoid Jim getting into troubles. In fact this constant moving has the complete opposite effect, Jim is not able to grow roots which is one of the reasons for his constant defiance. Jims parents are of the arch type who fail to understand a young mans problems in adjusting to a constantly new locations. A dominating mother and a father living in her submission are not the rolemodels Jim needs or wants. In the latest town Jim meets Plato, a troubled young man who instantly admires Jims tough character and defiying style and Judy, a girl next door in who Jim takes instant intrest. It does not take long for Jim to get into trouble with the local "Greasers" which spiral him, Plato and Judy into a adventure of love and survival.

The movie is all about James Dean who lived a short life but was immediately recognized by his acting talens. Dean shows in Rebel Wihtout a Cause that he had the means of becoming a great actor, the way he portrays Jim Stark is touching and genuine, it is a shame that he did not have more time to make great movies.