Thierry Gandillot
When begins “Life”, James Byron Dean is still the star it will be a few months later, not to mention the myth that it will become after his death at the wheel of a Porsche Spyder on a California highway. It was September 30, 1955. He was just twenty-four years. The young man has certainly turned “A East of Eden” but the film, which earned him a posthumous Oscar nomination, is not out yet. Some critics hate his game, others love it.
Among these, Elia Kazan, who just turned “On the Waterfront.” He spotted the actor on the stage of Broadway, where he starred in “The Immoraliste” Gide. For the role of Cal Trask, the character of Steinbeck, Kazan sees anyone but Dean. Jack Warner (great Ben Kingsley), who knows the risks involved with this actor unpredictable to say the least, put the package to start her foal. But he does as its head and prefers to retreat into a room in New York watching the ceiling grattouillant his ukulele; or spinning without telling anyone in the family of his uncle in Marion (Indiana).
Another person believes in James Dean photographer Dennis Stock, Magnum. Stock is barely older than his model, twenty-six, and he did not intend to continue to earn a living playing the paparazzi in Hollywood. His boss, who is silly to sacrifice his career for a guy nobody knows, trying to dissuade him. In vain. Stock takes the risk to focus the beginner actor, he reveals the talent, if not genius.
This is the “Life” magazine – hence the title of the film – it offers a story which he is not even sure he will, as the model is more elusive as an eel. Above all, it makes no effort to get “glamorous”. Yet Dennis Stock photos are magical – Dean asleep on a restaurant table, Dean haircut, Dean walked, bent, the collar turned up, in a sinister street … They have contributed to the legend of Jimmy. The idea of a biopic James Dean before the glory was bold. The scenario is well put together, achieving the excellent Anton Corbijn elegant.
However, the game Dane DeHaan is so mannered that it becomes exasperating. At the point, for those who will not endure his game to seal the atmosphere. In the role of Dennis Stock, Robert Pattinson confirms that it is not only a seductive vampire. But appealing at all.
Thierry Gandillot
Life On Anton Corbijn. With Dane DeHaan, Robert Pattinson … 1 h 51.
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