James Dean

Not the life story of James Dean, but the story of Mr. Dean and writer William Bast. This is, in fact, their (partially veiled) love story. Mr. Bast was Dean's "best friend", "roommate", and/or "confidant" for the last five years of his life. James Dean and William Bast. Were they "just good friends" for five years? Not exactly. Bast wrote, and co-produced; and Robert Butler directed. The production is surprisingly high quality, considering the fact that this was a 1976 "TV movie". Frank Stanley's photography excels. It could have been a feature film. Perhaps, Bast preferred the guaranteed television audience, as a feature hinting at his sexual relationship with Dean would have been poorly received in most movie houses.

Michael Brandon (as Bast) and Stephen McHattie (as Dean) are very convincing, as the young friends. It's sometimes a little difficult to determine if the "The Little Prince and The Fox" knew what they were playing with fire; however, it seems obvious that director Butler had figured out Bast's direction. At first, it seems as if the duo's numerous lovely girlfriends are all Pier Angelis (red herrings); actually, they are realistic, and help explain the complicated Dean/Bast relationship.

The female supporting cast is pretty (and) numerous; Candy Clark (as Christine White) is one stand-out, believability-wise; note, the real-life Ms. White appears in a small role. Watch out for a very tender "barroom" scene with Leland Palmer (as Arlene), a disabled woman Dean takes for a ride.

Reality sets you free.

"James Dean" should have been nominated for several "Emmy" awards, especially considering the Brandon and McHattie lead performances, and the TV movie's relative production values. The film could be criticized for "holding back"; but, it could also be praised for being able to make its points without being explicit. Emotionally, at least, "James Dean" is clear; discerning what's left out isn't too difficult.

********* James Dean (2/19/76) William Bast ~ Michael Brandon, Stephen McHattie, Candy Clark, Leland Palmer

There is a segment in this obscure made for TV bio-pic that ascends to another plane of artistry, and provides a spellbinding glimpse into what made this legendary actor so extraordinary. Dean, played by the gifted Stephen McHattie, has returned home to find his sensitive roommate sulking in the dark over the sudden realization that the mercurial Dean is broadening his horizons and slipping away from him. By no means unmoved, Dean's response is to read aloud a particularly meaningful passage from his favorite book "The Little Prince". And as he reads consolingly, dramatically; you can see the joy he takes in forming the words, the pleasure he derives from sharing them with an audience, the immense respect he has for the piece itself. The scene plays out as a sort of communion, with Dean seeming to re-absorb the passage as a way of purifying himself. His roommate is mesmerized at this level of devotion to craft and only then begins to appreciate what his friend is becoming, has become.

Told from the refreshingly limited viewpoint of his off and on roommate William Bast (who went on to be a reasonably successful TV and Film writer) the movie touches on the pivotal events of Dean's life and career like a stone skipping across water. The focus is very much on Bast's up close witnessing of Dean's improbable, mind-blowing emergence from awkward hayseed wanna-be into the most emblematic actor of his generation.

Considering that he doesn't look incredibly like Dean (McHattie's face is flinty and pentagonal whereas Dean's was chiseled and rectangular) McHattie does a remarkable job duplicating the body language and facial expressions - the slouched shoulders, sudden movements, furtive looks and exaggerated boyishness. The director frames and lights him in clever ways and there are times when, spookily, you really do feel like you're looking in on Dean's life. McHattie also captures that alien, kaleidoscopic, wildly unpredictable quality - no easy task. He gives you a sense of the development of the persona, the fine-tuning of the image he was trying to project to the world. His Dean almost seems like a mad scientist working on his most diabolical Frankenstein creation - himself.

Makes a nice companion to "9/30/55", another poignant meditation on the actor.

This made-for-TV movie tells the life of James Dean as seen through the eyes of his friend and roommate, William Bast. It was very interesting too watch because not only was it the life story of Jimmy, but in a way it was also about William. You have to admire him for being so open about his private life. The film is also notable for hinting at Jimmy's flirting with bisexuality. It's a unique look at James Dean, and Stephen McHattie, though he looks nothing like Jimmy, has his mannerisms down perfectly. "James Dean" (1976) is a very poignant film, especially worth it for a dramatic and touching reading of The Little Prince. I would have given it a higher grade but I was too distracted by all the anachronisms. ('70s hair and clothes in the '50s). But the actors were great, so otherwise it's a good film.

I thought the movie proved to be very interesting, as I did not know James Deans movies and life story. The only complaint I have is the quality of the movie sound was awful.I would rate this film on a scale of 1-10 for acting ability, and continuity of story as a definite 10 hands down! Its just too bad that this was not made by a major studio film with higher production standards. The introduction of James Deans Sexuality was done tastefully ,and did not distract from the movies documentary of the actors life story. As a summary, a movie well worth watching and an enjoyable experience. When he (James Dean) learns about the death of the girl who wrote him about her problems, This was the turning point of his decent into total depression. At this point I feel this is when his career started to fall apart.

Written from the perspective of Dean's long term friend Bast (well portrayed by Robert Brandon), this film as some good quirks and sub- texts to it.

Actor Stephen McHattie does have the affect and appearance of Dean in some instances, he portrays the early start of James Dean as a somewhat transient and alienated life. Living in NYC and finally getting accepted to the prestigious Actors Studio, but living with a big name actor, who is just someone he owes a debt to, and to "pay the piper" as he tells his friend.

The section regarding Dean's earlier family life could have been better explicated, but the audience does see his Hollywood relationships, including some decent cameos by Brooke Adams and Meg Foster (as Liz "Dizzy" Sheridan, who appeared in "Rebel Without a Cause"), and now plays Seinfeld's mother (credited as Liz Sheridan).

Overall worth seeing , but better to rent a DVD or purchase it, for the true researcher into Dean's checkered history. This film shown on MAVTV channel in US is terribly edited, and MAVTV is not a good viewing experience, at all. 8/10.