bibeall

There is no comparison between these films (1955 vs. 1981). 1955 wins it hands down. I own both films and showed this one to a friend. When finished, he said that he felt as though he was just being released from school. While 1955 effectively focuses on the last portion of the Steinbeck novel, this film attempts to trudge through the entire book. And "trudge" it does!

This film is too long to show in my classes, so I generally offer it as extra credit for students who want to strive harder. One of my students watched the film last weekend and submitted her extra credit paper. I asked her whether she enjoyed it. She said that she loved the movie--there were so many issues that could be found in the film.

I agree with my student. I watched the movie long ago, but had forgotten the story line. Then when I watched it last summer, I was reminded of the powerful performance James Dean gave to that picture. For me, it just shows another step in his growth as an actor.

I definitely recommend this movie.

I was a teenager when this movie came out. However, I didn't see it until last year. I wasn't a James Dean fan back then. I suppose you might call me a slow learner. As far as I am concerned, James Dean was one of the greatest actors of all times. And despite what some critics say, this film is as relevant today as it was when the picture first came out.

The acting in the picture is superb--particularly James Dean as Jim Stark. It is a fascinating movie to watch because his acting ability takes a new turn in "Rebel"--Dean matures from the excited, bouncing, youthful Cal Trask of "East of Eden" to the more determined, angry, frustrated rebel. He wants answers--and he is certainly not getting them from his parents.

This is definitely a picture to see.