The first time we see teenager Jim Stark (James Dean), he's being arrested for public intoxication, which isn't exactly the sign of a stand-up hero. What makes Jim so brilliant, though, is his relatability: deeply resentful of his bickering parents, Jim's discontent reflects that of an entire generation of post-war youngsters, even if, like a true anti-hero, he doesn't have many of the answers. When his friend Plato (Sal Mineo) shoots an attacker in self-defense, Jim tries his hardest to diffuse the situation, but sadly cannot prevent the police from shooting Plato down. On a more personal level, though, Jim's relationship with his parents does appear to be substantially improved at film's end, and though some of his behaviour throughout the movie was downright foolish (namely playing chicken with cars, resulting in Buzz's death), he perfectly realises the frustrations of being young and feeling powerless. As proof that not all heroes need to outwardly succeed in a lofty goal, Jim is an icon of sympathy in spite of as well as because of his immature acts throughout the movie.
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
