Tommy's contention that James Dean is more of a dancer than an actor because of the striking, mesmeric way he moves about the big screen is compellingly argued in this excellent essay. But even so, Dean's considerable skills as an actor are not ignored. I particularly like this paragraph, which I think captures the essence of him very well:
"He’s so much more than an icon of angsty teenage cool. Whether communing with the Roths’ cat in a striped shirt, or sculpting intently, a Lucky Strike dangling from his lips, or stripped to the waist, washing his Porsche like a doting father, you feel his soul in all its tangle. His aching, complicated joy."
Reminds me of a similar swaying man of the swinging 60s in India - Shammi Kapoor. Most actors do not know what to do with their hands. He choreographed his moves while sitting on a boat or a chair - the woman had to blush away. Shammi looked a lot like Elvis.
I was less than 10 years old and for some reason The Million Dollar Movie was playing East of Eden every day for a week, twice a day and I was there for it as often as I could. I thought I knew him. Multiple decades later and reading this I know why I’ve held his image in my heart so many years .. I see him in the faces of people I’ve known and loved, including my grandson’s face now. Elemental. Archetypal.
My God is this beautifully written! I am not that familiar with him so now I am curious to watch his films. I was not living in this country when he was alive so i missed this magnetism.
This essay needs to be printed elsewhere in an opinion piece or something. Call it Revisiting James Dean and send to editors.
Good to see you Starley. I was scared you had abandoned me and that i wouldn’t re read on back roads at 60 mph under a blood moon, or at least stopped at a street light under a blood moon. That i wasn’t part of your excursions both out into the world and your journey into yourself. perhaps the rolling pronoun is Starley
Tommy's contention that James Dean is more of a dancer than an actor because of the striking, mesmeric way he moves about the big screen is compellingly argued in this excellent essay. But even so, Dean's considerable skills as an actor are not ignored. I particularly like this paragraph, which I think captures the essence of him very well:
"He’s so much more than an icon of angsty teenage cool. Whether communing with the Roths’ cat in a striped shirt, or sculpting intently, a Lucky Strike dangling from his lips, or stripped to the waist, washing his Porsche like a doting father, you feel his soul in all its tangle. His aching, complicated joy."
I like how you write about me in the third person, but that you use my first name cause we’re pals.
Reminds me of a similar swaying man of the swinging 60s in India - Shammi Kapoor. Most actors do not know what to do with their hands. He choreographed his moves while sitting on a boat or a chair - the woman had to blush away. Shammi looked a lot like Elvis.
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/6b/86/a7/6b86a721e237bf921b776d3c30cf8b7f.jpg
I will look Shammi Kapoor up, thanks. G
I was less than 10 years old and for some reason The Million Dollar Movie was playing East of Eden every day for a week, twice a day and I was there for it as often as I could. I thought I knew him. Multiple decades later and reading this I know why I’ve held his image in my heart so many years .. I see him in the faces of people I’ve known and loved, including my grandson’s face now. Elemental. Archetypal.
The Million Dollar Movie. now you’re talking
Nice
My God is this beautifully written! I am not that familiar with him so now I am curious to watch his films. I was not living in this country when he was alive so i missed this magnetism.
This essay needs to be printed elsewhere in an opinion piece or something. Call it Revisiting James Dean and send to editors.
Good idea.
None of my adjectives feel right to describe my reaction to this essay. You caught his elusiveness and his reality. I feel them. Daniel
That makes me happy. Thanks
A stirring tribute to the artist as a young man.
Thanks Marilyn
James Dean leaving imprints in culture and in the very soil of the landscape, an origin an original like you Sir Tommy. Be happy be safe, Geraldine
“The gender battle (or more accurately, gender union) is psychic and within.”
That stands out to me, of course your wholesome article is golden.
Hell. Yes.
and fuck yeah
“The pronoun is James Dean.” brilliant.
Good to see you Starley. I was scared you had abandoned me and that i wouldn’t re read on back roads at 60 mph under a blood moon, or at least stopped at a street light under a blood moon. That i wasn’t part of your excursions both out into the world and your journey into yourself. perhaps the rolling pronoun is Starley
Cool. Glad you dug it Billy