Wednesday, March 10, 2010

365 Movies: Rebel Without A Cause Review


Rebel Without A Cause stars James Dean, Natalie Wood, and Sal Mineo in this 1955 drama, directed by Nicholas Ray. A group of misfits find a common ground, when they all feel they don't fit in. James Dean plays Jim Stark, a young kid looking for peace but with his parents constantly arguing, he can't seem to find the happiness, he's looking for. Natalie Wood plays Judy, a girl who tries to find acceptance from her disapproval father and Sal Mineo plays Plato, a young boy who feels he has no companionship in his life until he meets Jim. This movie was made for James Dean and honestly, I don't believe anyone... and I mean anyone could have played that role. He not only embodied the role of Jim Stark but he made the audience believe, that's who he really was. He is just so remarkably talented, it's such a shame that we didn't get to see more of his versatility during his short life. Though, there was some short moments of humor in the film, I really feel you could see that James could not only handle dramatic roles but comedic roles as well. For instance, in the beginning of the film, when Jim Stark is in the police station, he has some very funny moments, like when he starts mimicking the sound of the sirens. Natalie Wood and Sal Mineo play good supporting roles to James' Jim.





Review for Tomorrow: I am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang

2 comments:

Kalli said...

His siren sound is so funny! I laugh every single time! Love the monkey part, too. Also, when he says, "Life can be beautiful." What am I saying? I love the whole movie!

Artman2112 said...

imo one the THE great films of the 1950's. I have yet to see a Nicholas Ray film that wasnt worth seeing at least once but this one demands multiple viewings and may be his masterpiece. Dean was extraordinary and the rest of the cast superb (who can forget Jim Backus wearing an apron?). Ray's use of color as always heightens everything we see and feel with these characters. I had the good fortune of seeing a brand spanking new print of this many years ago at Trinity college in Hartford CT. It was a huge treat!

"You're tearing me apaaaaaart!"

if you've never seen "Chain Gang" before, you're in for a hell of a treat. i'm looking forward to your thoughts on that one!