In his very short career, James Dean become an
American icon in terms of style, representation, and cinema. His most famous
role was Jim Stark in Rebel Without aCause, which shifted perceptions of American suburban teenagers. The movie
was widely acclaimed, and has been celebrated as an American classic.
To my observations, I have been very critical towards
Dean. His character hasn’t resonated with me, and his look, and style just doesn’t
sit with me. Aesthetically, it is understandable why we was appealing to
greasers, but as I took a closer look into his character, and the legacy Dean
left behind, it was easier to see why he was so influential among greasers.
Delinquents such as Jim may have been portrayed in
urban environments, the film showcased delinquency among middle class youth to
prove that is can happen in any social class. It was also a statement for loss
of moral in American youth.
Besides Stark’s style, it makes sense as to why Dean
was so identifiable as not only an American icon, but a greaser icon. His
quaffed hair, his fashion sense, and attachment to auto racing hobby attached
him to greaser subculture. But Jim’s emotional confusion, and the isolation he
feels from his parents resonated with younger viewers. His untimely death only propelled
his influence on the youth of America. He brought a coolness to the “moody”
teenager that comforted other adolescents. Dean characterized the epitome of classic
cool.
I will say, even though I haven’t completely swooned
over Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sandwich, he indeed left behind a unique and engaging
character.
No comments:
Post a Comment