Rebel Without A Cause (1955)

TW: There are heavy and pointed discussions of suicide and ideation.  For those of you struggling with those thoughts, we suggest skipping this, or parts of this episode.  If you or someone you know needs help, please dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to speak with someone.  Help is available. You’re never alone.  There’s no need to walk in the dark.

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Buckle up, 3CG fans, because this week we're diving back into the apex of teen drama and angst with the OG 1955 flick, "Rebel Without a Cause". Another golden Hollywood oldie from our own golden-haired Hollywood old soul.  It becomes increasingly apparent how this movie set the (sound)stage for so many franchises to come as Hannah and the boys delve into the movie that made James Dean an icon and makes us wonder why they were called the silent generation because they sure made a lot of noise. 

James Dean stars as Jim Stark, a misunderstood teen who despite his best intentions, always ends up in trouble. Caught in the middle of his parents' strained relationship and constantly searching to find a loving group of his own, Jim turns to an unlikely crew of characters, played by Natalie Wood, Sal Mineo, and Ed Platt, to supplement the missing affections of his milquetoast, middle-class family. Spoiler alert: it doesn't end well.

Join the krewe as we explore the darkest inventions wrought by teenage angst, the eternal quest for acceptance, and the real behind-the-scenes drama that made “Rebel Without a Cause” a classic. How often does Terry mention James Dean's flawless skin? How uncomfortable will Matt get? Will Garrett offer any insight that doesn't make Hannah roll her eyes? Grab your tissues and tune in to find out!

CW: Child abuse, Sex work, Suicidal ideation, (passive) Pedophilia, Toxic masculinity, Electra complex, Suicide Bullying, Cycles of abuse, Alcohol

References:

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Beard, R. (n.d.). Retrieved from Alpha Dictionary: https://www.alphadictionary.com/index.shtml

Cassady Jr., C. (n.d.). Rebel Without a Cause. Retrieved from Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/rebel-without-a-cause

CHK Ithaca Studio. (2018, September 28). Film Study: Rebel Without a Cause. Retrieved from CHK Ithaca Studio: https://ithaca-studio.com/2018/09/28/film-study-rebel-without-a-cause/

Coates, T. (2015, February 09). My First Time … Watching ‘Rebel Without A Cause’: Too Many Teens. Retrieved from Decider: My First Time … Watching ‘Rebel Without A Cause’: Too Many Teens

Crislip, A. (2022, March 24). SlashFilm. Retrieved from Rebel Without A Cause Ending Explained: The Immortal James Dean: https://www.slashfilm.com/809721/rebel-without-a-cause-ending-explained-the-immortal-james-dean/

Davis, E. (2009, August 01). Pain from the Beyond: "Rebel Without a Cause". Retrieved from mubi: https://mubi.com/notebook/posts/pain-from-the-beyond-rebel-without-a-cause

digitig. (2011, December 14). Rebel Without a Cause (1955). Retrieved from Bechdel Test Movie List: https://bechdeltest.com/view/2926/rebel_without_a_cause/

Dramatica. (n.d.). Rebel Without a Cause. Retrieved from Dramatica: https://dramatica.com/analysis/rebel-without-a-cause

Goldhill, O. (2019, May 15). Rebel WIth Many Flaws - Before We Knew Better: Rebel Without A Cause’s retro gender attitude shows how far we’ve come. Retrieved from Quartz: https://qz.com/quartzy/1615774/rebel-without-a-causes-gender-portrayal-is-thankfully-outdated

IMDb. (n.d.). Rebel Without a Cause (1955). Retrieved from IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048545/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0

Luke, A. (2021, February 03). The Continued Relevance of Rebel Without A Cause. Retrieved from Medium: https://medium.com/writing-in-the-media/the-continued-relevance-of-rebel-without-a-cause-b13c1fe07994

Pierce, K. (2016, December 30). Classic Film Through a Feminist Lens: REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE. Retrieved from Geek Girl Authority: https://www.geekgirlauthority.com/classic-film-through-a-feminist-lens-rebel-without-a-cause/

Rotten Tomatoes. (n.d.). Rebel Without a Cause. Retrieved from Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/rebel_without_a_cause

Rudd, S. (2022). “Rebel Without A Cause” And The Birth Of The New Teens. Retrieved from History Front: https://historyfront.com/rebel-without-a-cause-and-the-birth-of-the-new-teens/

Stewart, J. (2017, June 23). Throwback Review: Rebel WIthout a Cause. Retrieved from Girls in Capes: https://girlsincapes.com/2017/06/23/throwback-rebel/