Life (2015)

A photographer for LIFE Magazine is assigned to shoot pictures of James Dean.

Director:

Anton Corbijn

Writer:

Luke Davies (screenplay)

Stars:

Robert Pattinson, Dane DeHaan, Peter Lucas

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robert Pattinson	...	Dennis Stock
Peter Lucas	...	Nicholas Ray
Lauren Gallagher	...	Natalie Wood
Kendal Rae	...	Messy Actress
Drew Leger	...	Boyfriend
Dane DeHaan	...	James Dean (as Dane Dehaan)
Alessandra Mastronardi	...	Pier Angeli
John Blackwood	...	Raymond Massey
Jason Blicker	...	Journalist
Emily Hurson	...	Publicity Trooper
Kristian Bruun	...	Roger
Joel Edgerton	...	John Morris
Emma Pedersen	...	John Morris' Secretary
Stella Schnabel	...	Norma
Allison Brennan	...	Jack Warner's Assistant

Storyline

This movie chronicles the story behind the 1955 LIFE Magazine photo thread by Dennis Stock of then-rising star, James Dean, and gives us an inside look at some of Hollywood's most iconic images and into the life of a gifted, but troubled man.

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Plot Keywords:

photographer | actor | 1950s | female nudity | topless female nudity | 

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Taglines:

Based on a true story.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some sexuality/nudity and language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Dane DeHaan turned down the role of James Dean five times as he felt intimidated playing such a respected figure. His wife, Anna Wood, eventually convinced him to take on the role.

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Goofs

Pay Phones in 1955 did not have metal cords or the receivers shown in the film.

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Quotes

James Dean: I don't wanna play their stupid game.
Dennis Stock: You don't have to. I mean, just let me help you. I got 30 million people reading LIFE Magazine... and we do, we do a great shoot...
James Dean: Wait a minute, wait a minute! You think you're giving me something that's not alerady comin' my way? I lose myself in my roles! I don't wanna lose myself in all this other stuff. And you are this other stuff.

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Connections

References A Star Is Born (1954)

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Soundtracks

Poison Ivy
Written by Melvin London (uncredited)
Performed by Willie Mabon

User Reviews

Real Life is Dull

Not that this necessarily pertains to the period of interaction between Dean and a photographer, but Dean was a race car driver. He was heavily involved in that during that year. So he wasn't just a restless spirit laying around. He had a daredevil spirit and lots of races. He was portrayed here as a bored farm boy. What I did like was showing how people get to know each other over time, and how life is actually fairly boring even for a burgeoning star during the inactive hours of a week. Even James Dean has to eat, sleep, visit family, and sign paperwork.

But there was not much reason shown for anyone to find Dean interesting. Even the photographer, who was initially captivated by some indescribable quality, scolded him for being a whiny self-interested nobody.

Having said that, and having read comments from Dean fans, I am willing to believe that the real Dean had charisma and a face that expressed pain and depth.

I liked the farm sequence. It showed you that Dean wasn't really a rebel, because he loved his family, his home town, and America. Everyone comes from somewhere. He's from a sleepy small town in the Midwest and his mother died when he was young. That should explain his sleepy demeanor tinged with sadness.

The nudity was great, because that girl was beautiful. But it was totally gratuitous. There is absolutely no reason to show boobs when two people are talking in bed.

You do get a sense that the country is on the brink of a new vibe, with the balance of old and new in the culture., and our characters' comfort in hanging out with black folks.

Look, there's not much to this story, but it is mildly interesting to see the life of a struggling early Hollywood photographer, and a fresh star. Plus I always enjoy depictions of male bonding, with all their ups and downs.

Unless those things interest you, avoid it. Because like life itself, this thing is dull.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [Japan]

Country:

UK Germany Canada Australia USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 December 2015 (USA)

Also Known As:

Life

Filming Locations:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$12,000,000 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,231,606

Company Credits

Production Co:

See-Saw Films, Barry Films, Corner Piece Capital

Technical Specs

Runtime:

111 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1