James Dean

This is Probably the best James Dean BIO since it was written and produced by his real life best friend William Bast. While actor Stephen Mchattie (who plays James Dean) doesn't look that much like him you still get the feeling its him especially around the time of Giant. This was the first to show Dean's flirting with homosexuality which was remarkable for 1976. William Bast has since written a new book called "Surviving James Dean" which go much farther in detail then any movie has gone. You can hear an interview with William Bast at http://writingshow.com/podcasts/Bill_Bast.mp3

I've seen this movie many times and you can probably get it on DVD at Walgreens for $1.00 since I saw it their last week.

Seriously sensitive TV-movie starring Stephen McHattie as actor James Dean and Michael Brandon as William Bast, a fellow student at UCLA and Dean's pre-stardom roommate. The film chronicles Dean's inauspicious work as a drama student--doing shaky Shakespeare on stage--and the years following once Dean relocated to New York City and was accepted into the exclusive Actor's Studio, which lead him to Broadway and then back to Hollywood. Bast himself wrote the teleplay, and he's very careful to show the many complex sides of Dean--the prankster, the romantic, the artist committed to his craft, the jerk--as well as the "Star Is Born"-like friendship which developed between the two men. Bast, a failed actor who took on writing jobs, grew to respect and love his friend, however, without any apparent envy or jealousy (although he's often shown playing the third wheel). Brandon has a tough job acting as the author's surrogate, but he does so without self-pity; his acceptance of his friend as America's newest star is casual and natural, with no melodrama. The film begins with a symbolic dream (never a good idea) and features sketchy episodes with a handful of the women in Dean's life, but the main focus is on the relationship between Dean and Bast, and in those sequences the movie shines. McHattie, whose thin smile curls up at the corners like the Joker, bears a passing resemblance to Dean when seen from a distance, but up close he has to overcome features which are too pronounced; it's not an impersonation, and yet the performance we do get slowly grows on you. "James Dean" is an unusually literate and thoughtful drama, with an excellent supporting cast including Dane Clark, Meg Foster, Brooke Adams, Amy Irving, Katherine Helmond, Candy Clark and Leland Palmer.

This made-for-TV movie tells the life of James Dean as seen through the eyes of his friend and roommate, William Bast. It was very interesting too watch because not only was it the life story of Jimmy, but in a way it was also about William. You have to admire him for being so open about his private life. The film is also notable for hinting at Jimmy's flirting with bisexuality. It's a unique look at James Dean, and Stephen McHattie, though he looks nothing like Jimmy, has his mannerisms down perfectly. "James Dean" (1976) is a very poignant film, especially worth it for a dramatic and touching reading of The Little Prince. I would have given it a higher grade but I was too distracted by all the anachronisms. ('70s hair and clothes in the '50s). But the actors were great, so otherwise it's a good film.

Written from the perspective of Dean's long term friend Bast (well portrayed by Robert Brandon), this film as some good quirks and sub- texts to it.

Actor Stephen McHattie does have the affect and appearance of Dean in some instances, he portrays the early start of James Dean as a somewhat transient and alienated life. Living in NYC and finally getting accepted to the prestigious Actors Studio, but living with a big name actor, who is just someone he owes a debt to, and to "pay the piper" as he tells his friend.

The section regarding Dean's earlier family life could have been better explicated, but the audience does see his Hollywood relationships, including some decent cameos by Brooke Adams and Meg Foster (as Liz "Dizzy" Sheridan, who appeared in "Rebel Without a Cause"), and now plays Seinfeld's mother (credited as Liz Sheridan).

Overall worth seeing , but better to rent a DVD or purchase it, for the true researcher into Dean's checkered history. This film shown on MAVTV channel in US is terribly edited, and MAVTV is not a good viewing experience, at all. 8/10.

Not the life story of James Dean, but the story of Mr. Dean and writer William Bast. This is, in fact, their (partially veiled) love story. Mr. Bast was Dean's "best friend", "roommate", and/or "confidant" for the last five years of his life. James Dean and William Bast. Were they "just good friends" for five years? Not exactly. Bast wrote, and co-produced; and Robert Butler directed. The production is surprisingly high quality, considering the fact that this was a 1976 "TV movie". Frank Stanley's photography excels. It could have been a feature film. Perhaps, Bast preferred the guaranteed television audience, as a feature hinting at his sexual relationship with Dean would have been poorly received in most movie houses.

Michael Brandon (as Bast) and Stephen McHattie (as Dean) are very convincing, as the young friends. It's sometimes a little difficult to determine if the "The Little Prince and The Fox" knew what they were playing with fire; however, it seems obvious that director Butler had figured out Bast's direction. At first, it seems as if the duo's numerous lovely girlfriends are all Pier Angelis (red herrings); actually, they are realistic, and help explain the complicated Dean/Bast relationship.

The female supporting cast is pretty (and) numerous; Candy Clark (as Christine White) is one stand-out, believability-wise; note, the real-life Ms. White appears in a small role. Watch out for a very tender "barroom" scene with Leland Palmer (as Arlene), a disabled woman Dean takes for a ride.

Reality sets you free.

"James Dean" should have been nominated for several "Emmy" awards, especially considering the Brandon and McHattie lead performances, and the TV movie's relative production values. The film could be criticized for "holding back"; but, it could also be praised for being able to make its points without being explicit. Emotionally, at least, "James Dean" is clear; discerning what's left out isn't too difficult.

********* James Dean (2/19/76) William Bast ~ Michael Brandon, Stephen McHattie, Candy Clark, Leland Palmer