Rebel Without a Cause

Film released in 1955, which made James Dean into an icon of teenage angst. Set in the timeframe of 24 hours, the action revolves around the trials of the ‘new boy in town’ and his unsuccessful attempts to keep out of trouble. It was written and directed by Nicholas Ray.

The film's melodramatic power stems as much from the depiction of the characters (including the insensitive parents) as from Ray's impressionistic deployment of light and space. It was made in colour. The story focuses on a trio of teenagers, played by Dean, Natalie Wood, and Sal Mineo (1939-1976).