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Rebel Without A Cause Conventions

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Generic Conventions of Teen Movies in the 1955 Film Rebel Without a Cause

'Rebel without a cause' was the first ever film to be targeted at the newly established Teenage audience and caused the creation 'Teen Movie' genre because of its incredible success. The creators of Rebel without a cause saw that there was enormous potential for the teen audience as they had never been targeted before and they had money to spend on entertainment as they had no outgoings at all. The film starred James Dean as Jim Stark the troubled teenager in a new town. He is portrayed as the outsider and the protagonist as he fights his oppressive authoritative figures.

James Dean: Role Model for teenagers …show more content…

This is another theme which can be seen in the 1955 Rebel without a cause, as all teenage characters are trying to make it as mature adults. This is a great task for the teenagers as the ideal of "the love of your life" must be found before the transition is complete. The message of the film is that when love has been found life will be so much easier. This offers social and economical reassurance for the audience that the problems of the teenager can be overcome and that true love can be found. The theme of transition ties in with the sub theme of adulthood and what the right way to be a man is.

"You're tearing me apart!"

[IMAGE]The issue or masculinity is debated in its three character forms: Jim's dad shows us how he is emasculated and his role of man has been reversed with Mrs Stark. This is seen as he cleans up the meal he has made for his wife in a piny. Jim himself is portrayed as the picture of perfect masculinity as although he is rebellious he is charming and treats Plato as his surrogate son and Judy as his loving partner. Because of Jim's heroism in the film, Jim's dad's masculinity is restored and he realises that they need to resolve the conflict in the family unit. Plato offers the third view of masculinity as he is portrayed as coward and seems to need someone to replace his Parents who have

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