The Legend of James Dean

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The Legend of James Dean: Demonic Heroes Have Villainous Virtues challenges previously conceived notions about the actor James Dean.

Author Derek Reeves argues that Dean was not a rebel against the establishment, and that class conflict, the need to redefine his public image, and a desire to attack Christianity prompted the men who ran the motion picture industry in the 1950s to portray the actor as a rebel against conformity of any kind.

Members of the postwar generation embraced Dean as a symbol of rage and rebelliousness because they believed that the thuggish characters he played reflected his essential persona. Dean's characterization of the tough teenager gave a sense of belonging to misdirected young people, whose adolescent rebellion stemmed from their inability to cope with societal demands during the Eisenhower era.

The author's analysis of Dean's legend provides rare insight into the actor's life, viewed from a historical perspective. If you've ever wondered what Dean did to earn a star on Hollywood's "Walk of Fame," you'll want to read this book, which shines a spotlight on an American legend who was posthumously nominated for an Academy Award as Best Actor in a Leading Role in 1956 and 1957.