Review of Rebel Without a Cause (1955) by Phillip M — 18 Oct 2008

Aside from how the movie looks and sounds, you'd never really know that it came from the 50s.

REBEL pretty much sums up what life of a teenager is like. Not necessarily the exact actions that Jim, Plato, and Judy went through, but the rebellion that comes along with it.

In REBEL, I do not think just one of those three is considered a ?rebel?. They all rebel against an authoritative figure and have gotten into a predicament one way or another in the past and now. The title REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE is very ironic since they have a cause to rebel against.

Jim whose father has been emasculated by his mother, Judy who can never find the affection she seeks from her father. And Plato, whose parents have neglected him and left him in the good care of their maid, no matter how great the maid cares for him, it?ll never be enough to replace his parental figures.

It deals with a lot of the issues that teens struggle with today: he feeling to belong, being more ?grown-up?, and friendship. With more underlying messages that concern many people and what they are afraid to admit to or share.

Everything is good in the movie, the writing and dialogue are convincing and the ACTING!

Most noticeably with teen angst personified ? James Dean. He just blends with his character, not as if you were just watching him but with him. He creates that person that you know of, that outcast in your school, at your work, even at home. He gives us this three dimensional character, that it?s hard not to relate to or feel for. James Dean is truly a legend.

Superb movie, very influential, it?s a classic. And considering from the era it was made, still rings true today. And no, it?s not outdated.

9.8/10.