On October 27, 1955, the classic film "Rebel Without a Cause" was released in the United States by Warner Bros. Pictures. Directed by Nicholas Ray, with writing credits given to Steward Stern, Irvin Shulman, and Nicholas Ray, the romantic drama was considered a fairly accurate depiction of teen lifestyle from the late 1950's era. Several of the main actors included young, upcoming stars in the entertainment buisness, many of which tradgically died at a fairly young age, invluding the three main actors, James Dean, Natalie Wood, and Sal Mineo. Viewed as a culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant film, Rebel Without a Cause was added to the preserved films of the United States Library of Congress's National Film Registry in 1990. Other recognitions include Empire magazine's rank of 477th on the list of the 500 greatest movies of all time in 2008 and the American Film Institute's rank of 59 in the 1998 AFI's 100 years... 100 Movies.
17 year old Jimmy Stark (James Dean) is the rambunctious son of Frank Stark (Jim Backus) and Mrs.Carol Stark (Ann Doran) and is found at the start of the movie being arrested for public intoxication. Jimmy's disruptive behavior continuously upsets his appearance-concience parents, who believe moving from one place to another is the solution to their son's behavioral issues. At the police station, Jimmy comes in contact with Judy (Natalie Wood) and Plato (Sal Mineo), both of which throughout the film become close friends with Jimmy. While talking with the social-worker, Ray Frimick (Edward Platt), Jimmy's family issues are revealed. Jimmy struggles to fit in at school and tries to make friends. When the leader of a local gang, Buzz Gunderson (Cory Allen), decides to start trouble with Jimmy, their differences are settled through through a reckless game of Chicken Run. The challenge ends horribly with the death of Buzz, affecting each character and their life in a different way.
Each of the three main characters in the film "Rebel Without a Cause" experience a series of problems in their home life. Jimmy is forced to deal with feelings of helplessness and confusion due to his father's lack of strength and continuous bickering with his mother. Judy longs for the affection of her father who remains distant, causing her to act out in frustration. Plato's always absent parents atempt to pay for his love, but he is still desperate for their attention. The three join together as the movie progresses to comfort one another and understand the problems their parents couldn't.
Although the film is not quite as relatable to modern times as it was in the 1950's, the themes can still be taken into consideration and placed into a modern setting. Almost all teens view themself as the center of the world, whether they will admit it or not. They believe the sole job of their parents is to care for them and do not realize how difficult the task of raising a child is. All three teens join together in difiance of their parents and their misunderstood life, but soon realize not everything in the world is easy. Also, very few people did not feel alienated as a teen. This movie reflects the dramatic struggles a teen deals with through aspects such as acceptance and love. Jimmy, Judy, and Plato wanted these things from just about everyone they came in contact with, including peers and family members. James Dean's character represents what many teens aspire to be at that age: individualistic, brave, and kind. The story of "Rebel Without a Cause" was very impacting of the teens of the 1950's and may possibly be just as impacting on the teens of modern times.
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