James Dean - Sense Memories (2005)

"Keep it up," director Elia Kazan privately told James Dean after co-star Raymond Massey complained about the newcomer's acting style. The kid knew how bring heat to a scene, how to get under people's skin. That story and others shape this sharply focused American Masters look at the meteoric, star-making last year of Dean's life. One year. Three films (East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause, Giant). Unending impact. Via film clips, behind-the-scenes footage, archival photos, and on-camera interviews with colleagues (including Mark Rydell, Martin Landau, Eartha Kitt, Lois Smith, Dennis Stock and Corey Allen) who shared that year with him, James Dean Sense Memories reveals the man, the movies and his timeless mystique. After 50 years, the kid who is the archetypal rebel for every generation still brings heat. Watch. And discover why.

A thoughtful and informative DVD for newfound Dean admirers

This DVD is well paced, well made and informative for the individual who is new to the history of James Dean. I enjoyed the tone and visual aesthetic of this DVD and thought it fair and slightly sentimental (in a positive manner) on the subject of the man behind the persona. It concentrates on his 3 films and of his search for artistic freedom, and the overwhelming will of his free spirit. This DVD only interviewed those who actually knew James Dean, instead of a third party he said, she said situation. There is no question that these people interviewed cared deeply for him. I took away that James Dean was a maven of artistry in all forms, that he maintained a true understanding of people and life and that he was a contradictory, tender, and strong human being--almost beyond himself. A very nice hour spent! December 29, 2007

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