How could I possibly look through a bunch of classic films and not discuss one of James Dean’s legendary movies? A couple years back I got the complete collection of East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause, and Giant, and while there are definitely great aspects to both East of Eden and Giant, Rebel Without a Cause is the ultimate James Dean movie. It’s difficult to watch this film knowing just how much further his acting career would’ve taken him. What kinds of movies would he have made in the 60’s and 70’s? He would be 78 years old if alive today. Isn’t that the weirdest thought ever? That if he hadn’t have died in that car accident, he could potentially still be alive today making movies? He’s such an iconic figure that his image supersedes the quality of his performance at times, but he’s so excellent in Rebel Without a Cause, it’s a bit confusing to note that he was nominated for Oscars for his other two movies. As solid as he is in Giant, I think his best work easily comes to fruition in the endlessly entertaining and surprisingly ahead-of-its-time Rebel Without a Cause. There are so many great moments in this movie, from the beginning when he shouts at his parents “you’re tearing me apart!”, to all the material at Griffith Park where plenty of enemies are made, to the drag racing scene that ends horribly for one, and to the end where the most unlikely death occurs. The sweet, homoerotic relationship between John Crawford (Sal Mineo) and Jim (James Dean) perfectly complements the more wildly affectionate relationship between Jim and Judy (the radiant Natalie Wood). It’s a powerful film that must’ve been a gut punch to every teenager who saw it in 1955, and it still is easily accessible for any teenager who watches it today. Dean is a legend, and rightfully so. I believe Rebel Without a Cause shows why in the purest, most heart-wrenching, most fascinating way possible.