James Dean: A Biography

by John Howlett

Five decades after the death of James Dean, he is still revered as a distant myth and remains an enigma to a generation that hardly knows him. Yet it is this generation that has made him the most idolized actor of all time. While his film career lasted only sixteen months, it produced three cinematic greats: East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause and Giant. John Howlett has conducted extensive research and interviews with actors and directors who knew Dean, to produce a revealing portrait of a complex and tragic man - the perfect embodiment of an eternal struggle who was an inspiration to several generations of rebels without a cause. His anguish was exquisitely genuine on and off the screen, and his moments of joy are rare and precious. Here is James Dean from all sides: his talent for interpreting and expressing his role as an actor, his rebellious nature, his personal frankness, his ever-probing curiosity, his tenacious struggle for success, and his sadness and sensitivity.

Genres: Biography, Film, Nonfiction

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another interesting biography about James Dean. This one really went into depth about his movies and how he really related to he characters he was playing. I had read the biography by Dizzy Sheridan and she made is sound like they were quite the item--even considered marriage at one point. She doesn't play much of a factor in this book and is only mentioned on a page or two. Interesting to read different perspectives. I think it's fairly clear that no one really knew James Dean. He was really an enigma, but oh what a fascinating one!

[Taryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Recently obsessed with him since visiting indiana and discovering this year marks the 50th anniversary of his death.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for my 16th birthday (I think) and recently found it again stuffed into a box of books. It is a very interesting read for fans. :)

[Christian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Howlett has a definite viewpoint and is relentless in pushing it. He portrays Dean as a sad, lonely, and isolated person that secretly is yearning to die- the textbook tormented artist. The basic information of the book is correct. However, Howlett is very liberal with his creative license to the point the book is almost a historical novel and not a biography. He presents conjecture and opinion as fact, and in most cases has no point of reference. He often quotes generic characters like uncle, cousin, boss, director, actor friend etc... instead of giving the source's name. Having read almost every James Dean book written in English. It is easy to spot quotes that no other biographer uses. Howlett's writing is good and he has a great vocabulary, but his substance is lacking.

[James Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

the image alone of James Dean is evocative of rebellion, this biography lacks alot of the personal revelations I have seen and read in other novels, it still captivates with its unflinching tell all of a true star.

James Deans legacy echoes even now, this showcases the man behind the myth.

[Mefal Ameti · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Dean by John Howlett reveals that you have to go through many struggles in order to be successful.


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