James Dean (2001)

78% of users liked it
(1,872 ratings)

During his all-too-short career (three starring roles in two years), James Dean helped to radically redefine the way teenagers were portrayed onscreen (and in popular culture in general), and the expressive naturalism of his performances did more to establish the "method" school of acting in the… More During his all-too-short career (three starring roles in two years), James Dean helped to radically redefine the way teenagers were portrayed onscreen (and in popular culture in general), and the expressive naturalism of his performances did more to establish the "method" school of acting in the public mind than any other actor outside of Marlon Brando. James Dean is a made-for-cable biography that looks at the star's short but troubled life, his years of struggle before his sudden rise to fame, and the car crash that took his life at the age of 24. James Franco stars as James Dean, with Michael Moriarty as Winton Dean and Valentina Cervi as Pier Angeli, the actress Dean loved. Produced for the TNT cable network, James Dean first aired on August 4, 2001. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 35 min.
Directed By: Mark Rydell
Genres: Drama, Television

In Theaters: Aug 4, 2001 Wide
On DVD: Jan 22, 2002

Critic Reviews

David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...entertaining, in a movie-of-the-week sort of way.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

MisterYoda ?

three stars
Hal M

I really liked this picture. "Only" a made-for-TV production yet it's the best "biographical fiction" of any major Hollywood actor that I've seen. James Franco is mesmerizing, totally convincing. Even more important here is Mark Rydell: He directed… More
I really liked this picture. "Only" a made-for-TV production yet it's the best "biographical fiction" of any major Hollywood actor that I've seen. James Franco is mesmerizing, totally convincing. Even more important here is Mark Rydell: He directed the film, served as Executive Producer (meaning he promoted the concept of the picture to the money people, to the point it got produced), and ALSO plays the role of Jack Warner. (The Warner Brothers Studios boss)." The scenes he's in--where he squares off with renegade actor James Dean--are the best part of the whole movie. It's like watching the proverbial Irresistible Force meeting the Immoveable Object! This should be shown in an acting class... Great stuff.
Sunil J

Really liked it. Maybe a little dramatic in parts but James Franco does a pitch-perfect job!
Leo L

Here's an interesting movie that centralizes on the life and death of James Dean. James Franco portrays the Hollywood star in this intriguing story plot that marks his success. Worth seeing!