In the 1955 film "Rebel Without a Cause," James Dean plays the iconic role of Jim Stark, the new kid in town who is ripe with teen angst. This is the role for which James Dean would secure his place as a film legend. Written by Stewart Stern and adapted by Irving Shulman, "Rebel Without a Cause" was directed by Nicholas Ray at Warner Bros. Studios. The movie also stars Natalie Wood in one of her first major roles.
Jim Stark (James Dean) comes to town with an already troubled past, and quickly catches the attention of Judy (Natalie Wood), Plato (Sal Mineo), and other rebellious teens at Dawson High School. When a contentious relationship develops between Jim and Judy's boyfriend Buzz, Buzz suggests they settle their dispute by participating in a "chickie run," where both boys will drive a car straight at a cliff. Whoever jumps out of the car first loses. However, disaster strikes. Buzz finds himself trapped in the car, as it hurtles over the edge of cliff, while Judy and the other kids from school watch in horror.
Jim feels a twisted sense of responsibility for Buzz's death and intends to turn himself in to the police. His image-obsessed parents object, and Jim storms out of the house in a violent fit of rage. He then flees to an abandoned house with Judy and his tagalong new friend, Plato, where Jim and Judy become romantically involved, and the trio assumes the roles of father, mother, and son. They are eventually found by members of Buzz's gang and the police, at which point Buzz attempts to fire his gun, resulting in being shot by police. The movie concludes with Jim Stark being reunited with his parents and introducing them to Judy.
The film is basically a discussion of the teenage psyche during the 1950's. It poses the question of who to blame for teen misbehavior- the parents, or the kids? We see parenting problems throughout the movie, from the self-concerned, jovial attitude of Mr. and Mrs. Stark, to the sexual tension between Judy and her father, to the absence of Plato's parents. Each of the kids will admit to their misbehavior as cries for attention.
While "Rebel Without a Cause" is an accurate depiction of the passionate rebellion of kids in the 50's, the movie is considerably out of date. It has not stood up to the test of time, because while adolescents are still openly rebellious, the teen psyche has shifted from rage to apathy. Tense relationships with parents, illegal activities, and teen angst are rampant as ever, but the age group as a whole is much less eager to share their emotions like the characters seen in the movie. Therefore, while the film is a good depiction of the early development of teenage rebellion, it has not stayed relevant. Entertaining, but out-of-date.
