teenLook #3 - August 2019 - Ethan Atwood

James Byron Dean
When it comes to iconic film stars
and celebrities, usually three
names will come to mind. Marylin
Monroe, Elvis Presley, and
James Dean.
The film industry of the 50s was
mostly filled with Biblical epics and
Historical Masterpieces. Life on screen
was portrayed as idyllic and perfect.
But there was an restless group of the
viewing audience that wanted to see
life the way it really was for them.
America's restless youth.
These teenagers instantly identified
with James' onscreen performance of
Cal Trask in East of Eden, a role that
mirrored James' own life. His role of a
despondent son, without a mother and
unable to please his father, came to life
easily and honestly on screen. So real
in fact that this relatively unknown
actor sat down to watch the screening
of the film, completely unrecognized,
but by the end, he walked out a star. It
happened that fast.
Up to this point, James had always
been pursuing his acting career.
Appearing in some commercials, and
on film and stage, but it wasn't until
1951 when he moved to New York to
pursue acting seriously. He wanted
nothing else than to become a star.
Life was hard, and he was often broke
and unable to pay his rent; sometimes
going days between meals. Never
giving up on his dreams, he was always
searching for the next gig to propel
him to stardom.
He was a difficult actor to work with
for both fellow actors and directors
alike. He would continuously do his
own thing during rehearsals. Making
life difficult for everyone on set, but
when it came time to perform, then his
true grit and honesty would shine, and
that's what caught peoples attention.
words by Mr. G
Off the set, he was reticent and moody.
If you came up to him as a fan or
showing him your appreciation for his
work and gushing over him, he wasn't
interested. He wanted the honest
opinion of people who saw him and
his work for what it was.
Genuine.
At first glance, many people didn't
think much of the young actor. He
never carried himself as a star or acted
that way. Most often, the complete
opposite. Remaining quiet and aloof at
events, preferring to be on his own.
The most significant danger in James'
life was his lack of fear. He loved speed
and was becoming an exceptional race
car driver in between filming. He loved
motorcycles and fast cars.
His acting career was brief, with only
just a little over a year's worth of film
work, making three films in total. East
of Eden, Rebel without a cause, and
Giant.
Even in that short period, James
Dean has become one of the most
recognizable household names. His
portrayal and personification of the
American teenager through his life
and films has made him unforgettable.
Sadly, his career and life were cut short
while on route to a race. September 30,
1955, James' Porsche 550 Spyder was
involved in an accident, and he was
killed at the age of 24.
The two latter films were released after
his death, and he was nominated for
two academy awards.
A hollywood legend and icon.
His life cut short, but he lives on in his
persona and influence. teenLOOK
James Dean
born February 8, 1931
Marion, Indiana, USA
Notable films
• East of Eden
• Rebel without a
cause
• Giant
Personification
of America's teen
population
Film icon
Race driver
Model
Photographer
“There is no simple explanation for why he has come to mean so much to so
many people today. Perhaps it is because, in his acting, he had the intuitive
talent for expressing the hopes and fears that are a part of all young people…
In some movie magic way, he managed to dramatize brilliantly the questions
every young person in every generation must resolve.”
- Joe Hyams
teenlook.ca | issue #3 61