Rebel Without a Cause (1955)

What defines a classic movie? It's a movie that captured the aura of an era, was a break through in it's time, and is still entertaining and socially prevalent today. Rebel Without a Cause takes a look at juvenile delinquency in the 1950's. The movie follows Jim Stark (James Dean) as he tries to fit himself into a new town. He struggles with meeting people and getting in with the "cool" kids/greasers.

I had the opportunity to see an original print screening of Rebel Without a Cause at the Gene Siskel Film Center. The Gene Siskel is mainly a first run art house theatre where they show anything from first run art films to older obscure films. This was my first time going to the Gene Siskel, and although I wasn't in their main theatre, it was still a pretty cool experience. Their theatres, they have two screens, are both THX certified, which means wonderful sound reproduction including a subwoofer under the floor, the theatre is "floating" meaning it doesn't touch the rest of the builsing structure for extra sound proofing, and intense double doors into the theatre making sure no sound gets in our out. The seats were uber comfortable and the theatre was very intimate. The film center also has a cafe with classic movie posters and pictures of old movie stars. They will also have gallery shows from time to time. So it's a really cool place to just hang out even if you're not seeing a movie.

But anyway, Rebel Without a Cause is a wonderful film that completely capures the 1950s. Specifically the problems with teenage delinquincey. Everything from chicken races, to breaking and entering, to poor parenting. And on top of it, James Dean is just cool. If you haven't seen this movie yet, go out and see it NOW! And if you're in the Chicago area, you can head down to the Gene Siskel Film Center sometime this week before Friday to catch a screening of it. Click here for the Gene Siskel's website.