Rebel Without a Cause (1955)

 Nicholas Ray's "Rebel Without a Cause"

The kids are not all right. Or perhaps they're just misunderstood. That is the thematic point being made by Nicholas Ray's 1955 film "Rebel Without a Cause." Perhaps it is most notable for the iconic performance - and even wardrobe - of the great James Dean. 

The film follows Jim, a teenager who tries fitting in at a new school in Los Angeles. Jim is dealing with disciplinary issues following a violent incident with another kid at a previous school. After getting into another altercation on his first day at the new school, an tragedy occurs that sends a group of kids into a uproarious panic. 

The film was released in October of 1955, only a month after James Dean was killed in a car accident. His performance, like with his performance in "East of Eden" from the same year, is now considered as iconic as the legendary actor himself. The physicality of Dean's performance is what sets him apart from other actors. 

The character Dean plays in "Rebel Without a Cause" is a troubled youth searching for connection and affection. It seems as though all of the teenage characters are searching for affection, and more importantly, acceptance, where none can be found by any of the parents. In an American post-war landscape that provides the middle-class dream, the bored and comfortable lives of these families create restless and rebellious teenagers. However, as the title suggests, this rebellion is stemmed from nothing in particular. Rather, it is a desperate search for love and acceptance that sparks this delinquency. 

The film very much had me invested throughout, especially due to Dean's remarkable performance. His internal strife is worn proudly on his sleeve and you can't help but root for the poor guy, fully understanding his struggle. However, there are character choices and contrived conventions that make the back half of the film less than believable. While this did not take me out of the film at all, it certainly lessened the potential for what the film could be. While it still holds a sacred place in Hollywood history, it seems more interested in leaning into melodramatics by its conclusion.

However, "Rebel Without a Cause" is rewatchable. Its thematic narratives, despite the bumpiness of its climax, is still packed with drama. Its central attention is fully on characters, rather than narrative. James Dean's tortured Jim makes it a film to be remembered and revisited often.