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REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE
Special Edition
Review by Michael Jacobson
Stars:
James Dean, Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo
Director: Nicholas Ray
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.55:1
Studio: Warner Bros.
Features: See Review
Length: 111 Minutes
Release Date: May 31, 2005
"HIT YOUR LIGHTS!!"
Film ****
There was never a film that so perfectly presented teenage
angst as a subject matter than Rebel
Without A Cause. Nor was there
an actor who more personified it than James Dean.
Dean was tragically killed in an auto accident after only three major
films to his credit, which added to the mystique of his persona to generations
of fans. And like other greats gone
too young, like Buddy Holly or Roberto Clemente, the world mourned not only the
loss of the greatness that he achieved, but the greatness he would never get a
chance to.
His performance, and this film, have to be considered two
of the most influential in the history of cinema.
Every angry teen movie since its release, be it The Breakfast Club or Footloose,
owes something of a nod to Rebel.
But none have ever quite attained the status of the original.
And that’s largely because of James Dean’s remarkable work.
Dean brought to his character of Jim Stark a boiling
cauldron of mixed emotions…from anger to sorrow, from fear to courage, from
love to hate…all of which both makes him the kid he is, and seems to tear him
down as well. He captured the
awkwardness of trying to fit in, to try and find a place for himself.
He seems to fail at every turn, though his intentions are good, and
millions of teenagers across the world could identify with him.
I’d wager many today still do.
The film is partly about relationships, and the many ways
they can be frustrating. Jim’s
relationship with his parents, for example.
They bicker and argue with one another, they can’t seem to offer him a
straight answer about anything. And
it’s not necessarily always their fault.
As adults, we know things in life aren’t always as simple as black and
white, yes and no, all right and all wrong.
But it’s tough for a guy Jim’s age to understand.
They tell him he will when he’s an adult, but teenagers never really
believe that will eventually happen to them.
There’s also kids relationships to one another.
Why do they taunt, tease, and fight one another?
Like the character Buzz mentions, “You gotta do something.”
And why must there always be the one outsider that everyone else unifies
to pick on? I guess if there were simple answers to these questions, they
still wouldn’t be happening today. But
on the other side of the coin, note how Jim, Judy (Wood) and Plato (Mineo) come
together in a few tender moments. All
three feel like misfits, all have family difficulties, so they kind of form a
family unto themselves.
The film is also about the tragedy kids can, and still do,
bring amongst themselves. It’s so
easy to feel immortal at that age. But
we know they aren’t…and this movie demonstrates that fact.
It’s so easy to put your life on the line for something that doesn’t
mean anything, and be a rebel without a cause, when you don’t consider the
possible consequences until it’s too late.
But the movie doesn’t preach a heavy handed message.
It’s really just meant to be a day in the life of a kid who doesn’t
understand the world, nor does the world understand him.
It looks into their world, and the world of the parents, not with
judgment, but with solemnity. Tragedies
can happen when you make poor decisions or when communications between people
aren’t clear.
I’ve mentioned Dean’s legendary performance, but
mention must also go to his two co-stars, Natalie Wood and Sal Mineo, who
together with Dean, helped personify the trouble, confusion, and frustration of
youth. Sadly, both Mineo and Wood,
like Dean, died tragically, and far too young.
But their work together is a true on-screen revelation, and continues to
be so to this day.
Oh, and for a little extra fun, keep an eye out for a very
young Dennis Hopper as one of the gang members, and Edward Platt—the chief
from “Get Smart” as a juvenile officer.
BONUS TRIVIA: Rebel Without a Cause was originally intended to be a black and white film, but it had to be changed to color because of CinemaScope contractual obligations.
Video **1/2
I’m happy to have this film in widescreen—CinemaScope 55 is just too wide to watch in pan and scan—and with widescreen enhancement. But this DVD is a bit off the mark for a quality transfer, at least by Warner standards. Darker images often have a ringing shimmer to them, and an occasional bit of grain. Daylight scenes, though, are pristine, sharp, and with excellent color. The print appears to be a bit worn, too, with noticeable nicks and scars along the way. It could have, and being the classic that it is, should have, received a little restoration effort for the DVD release. Overall, it’s still a better and brighter transfer than anything I had seen prior, either on VHS or on television, so there’s no reason to shy away from the disc. It just could have been better than it is.
Audio **1/2
The soundtrack has been improved from original mono to 5.1,
and is quite clean considering the film’s age, but it still sounds a trifle
thin, like many films from that period tend to do.
The surround audio basically opens up the sound and gives it more
spatiality and ambience without going so far as to make really discreet uses of
the rear stage or .1 channel.
Features ****
Warner assembled a nice two disc package for this release...Disc One features a commentary by Douglas L. Rathgeb, who authored the definitive book on the making of the movie. It's a well done track; he offers lots of insights into the cast and the various scenes. The original trailer is also included.
The second disc contains a pair of terrific documentaries...the new one, "Defiant Innocents", is a good look back at the movie and features interviews with many of the surviving cast members, including Dennis Hopper. Perhaps even better is the 70s documentary "James Dean Remembered"...it's good because of the vintage interviews with the still living Natalie Wood and Sal Mineo, along with some fond remembrances from Dean's friend Sammy Davis Jr.
There are also some original screen tests featuring Dean, Wood and Mineo, and some wardrobe tests for Dean and the gang. There are 16 deleted scenes without audio; some in black and white and some in color, and they include an alternate ending where Plato falls from the planetarium dome. Rounding out are three segments from Warner Bros. Presents featuring Jim Backus, Natalie Wood and James Dean, the latter of which includes the now famous car safety message from Dean. A superb package all around.
Summary:
Rebel Without A Cause is a film that will probably forever be etched into the hearts of audiences for its unflinching look at teenage angst and confusion. And, of course, for the legend-making performance of James Dean in the title role. It’s a strong emotional mix that remains potent and dramatic no matter how many years go by.
