Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Flat James Dean biopic has swearing, some nudity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Life
What's the Story?
In early 1955, James Dean (Dane DeHaan) was about to break out. His first big film, East of Eden, was complete but hadn't been released, and he was about to be cast in Rebel Without a Cause. He wasn't quite a star, but Dennis Stock (Robert Pattinson), a photographer for Life magazine, saw something in him. Over the course of a few weeks, even accompanying Dean to his small Indiana hometown, Stock persuaded the actor to pose for a series of photos that have since become some of most iconic images of the charismatic young celebrity-to-be.
Is It Any Good?
The biggest issue with LIFE is DeHaan's portrayal of Dean -- and that's a big issue in a James Dean biopic. DeHaan plays the iconic actor as all swagger and little depth, more like his defiant character in Rebel Without a Cause than his own person; it's an affected performance that doesn't reveal the charisma that propelled the young actor to stardom. Pattinson's Stock seems more real, and we feel his frustration as he juggles deadlines, family, and an uncooperative subject as he tries to get the shots he needs.
While Life is told through the lens of Stock's experience, the story is all about Dean, and without a compelling James Dean, there's not much reason to watch. People who don't know much about his off-screen life probably won't feel like they've learned much about him from the big-screen Life.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about James Dean. Do you think Life captures the young actor's charisma? Can you tell why he was so popular?
How does Life's take on James Dean compare to the way stars are often shown in other biopics? Is he portrayed as a role model?
What role did the media play in James Dean's life? In his status as a star/icon? How does that compare to stars' relationship with the media today?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 4, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : March 1, 2016
- Cast : Robert Pattinson , Dane DeHaan , Joel Edgerton
- Director : Anton Corbijn
- Studio : Cinedigm
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 111 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some sexuality/nudity and language
- Last updated : July 23, 2020
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