Rebel Without a Cause (1955)

This full-color, widescreen masterpiece gives us remarkable images.

Fine generational drama-tragedy which helped give James Dean movie immortality.

The drama and hepcat dialogue feel clunky now, but the movie's plea for dads to talk to their children -- what we now call emotional literacy -- is valid enough.

For all its faults this is still the teen angst melodrama to end them all, and Dean's performance established him as an icon, a legend and a myth.

In this powerful study of juvenile violence, Dean is riveting as a teenager groping for love from a society he finds alien and oppressive.

If ever a film was haunted, it's "Rebel Without a Cause," which burns as a bright memorial for stars James Dean, Natalie Wood and Sal Mineo.

Under Ray's dissecting eye, the suburban home itself becomes a battleground where parent and child must scream over each other to be heard

A fine script, dynamic direction, doomed romantic idealism and telling performances make this the most timeless of Ray's gripping, socially aware dramas.