When it comes to making
biopics, no one makes it better than Hollywood. Indian film makers make biopics
only to en-cash their pockets. There is neither any heart nor soul in Bollywood
biopics. While researching info on a celebrity, I stumbled upon the biography
of James Dean, the 50’s heartthrob and an Academy award nominee who created a
benchmark in acting with movies like Rebel without a cause, Giant and East of
Eden. He starred in only 3 movies. His stardom was tragically cut short by his
untimely death due to car accident on September 30th 1955. Had he
survived the car crash, he would have set new milestones.
Dean is only the star who is idolized, worshipped and looked upon as
inspiration even several years after his death. The 2001 biographical TV movie
captures the intimate moments happened in life of the rebellious actor James
Byron Dean. His troubled childhood, his tensed relationship with his father,
his affairs, struggles, stardom and his untimely death are vastly researched
and presented in the biopic. James
Franco who portrays Dean on the screen not only physically resembles the
character, but also lives the role through his powerful performance. The movie
begins with narration of James Dean where he recounts his early childhood and
his efforts to win the heart of his father who neglects him. After his mother’s
death, James is sent to live with his uncle and aunt in Fairmount.
As James grows up, he aspires to become
an actor. His realistic performance helps him bag a role in Broadway and
Television movie. Happy with his progress in acting career, he longs to meet
his estranged father, but only to discover a cold approach. It is irony that
James’ father Winton never encouraged his son in any stage of life. James Dean
kept his personal troubles ahead to focus on his movie career that catapulted
him to stardom. His passion for cars and bikes was infectious. He had numerous
affairs which include a failed relationship with actress Pier Angeli. Pier
Angeli’s mother never approved the relationship of James with her
daughter. It was been said that James
Dean was bi-sexual. The 2001 biopic doesn’t shed any light on this dark side of
Dean. The biopic does highlight his relationship with Christine White, a
struggling actress who supported Dean during his struggling days. Despite the
box-office success, prestigious contracts with studios and a lavish lifestyle,
Dean is unhappy that he can’t win the heart of his father. It is later revealed
that James was not the biological son of Wanton, but a child born from the
affair of his mother with other man. The biopic ends on a tragic note when
James Dean dies in car crash. Dean’s untimely death shocks the whole Hollywood,
creating an emptiness which cannot be filled by any artist.
I was blown away by this heart-touching biopic on the Hollywood’s biggest star whose rebelliousness won him many accolades and praises. To prepare for the role of James Dean, actor James Franco started smoking cigarettes and brought the mannerisms of the late actor in this biopic. What brought me to tears was the scene where James Dean literally cries to win the heart of his father. Sadly, James’ father realized his son’s love only after his death.
Only few actors could capture the rebellious nature of James Dean and later
actor Heath Ledger was one of them. In a short span, Heath had made Hollywood
take up notice of his works with movies like Monster’s ball, Brokeback
Mountain, The Patriot and his academy award winning role as the Joker in the
Nolan’s movie – The Dark Knight. Unfortunately, Ledger passed away in 2008 due
to overdose of drugs.
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