Cast
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Stephen McHattie
as James Dean
Brooke Adams
as Beverly
Michael Brandon
as William Bast
Meg Foster
as Dizzy Sheridan
Candy Clark
as Chris White
Dane Clark
as James Whitmore
Katherine Helmond
as Claire Folger
Amy Irving
as Norma Jean
Jayne Meadows
as Reva Randall
Julian Burton
as Ray
Robert Kenton
as Mechanic
Heather Menzies
as Jan
Jack Murdock
as Judge
James O'Connell
as Mr. Robbins
Leland Palmer
as Arlene
Crew
Director
- Robert Butler
Writer
- William Bast
Producer
- William Bast
- John Forbes
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, James Dean examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Robert Butler brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1976, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of James Dean took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 128 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1370 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1976, when this film was released:
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While James Dean shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Night Disclosure, which focuses more on action than character development, James Dean subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like 13 Minutes and Anything's Possible explore similar territory, James Dean stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 17, 1976
- Runtime: 1h 34m
Where to Watch
