James Dean Is Not Dead

by Morrissey

Before The Smiths and in-between musical stints, Morrissey wrote on popular culture. He published two works with Babylon The New York Dolls (1981), about his favourite band; and James Dean is Not Dead (1983), about actor James Dean's brief career.

In an interview about the cultural movie icon, Morrissey explains his obsession as

"I saw Rebel Without A Cause quite by accident when I was about 6. I was entirely enveloped. I did research about him and it was like unearthing Tutankhamun's tomb. His entire life seemed so magnificently perfect. What he did on film didn't stir me that much but as a person he was immensely valuable. Everything from his birth in a farming town to coming to New York, breaking into film and finding he didn't really want it when he had enormous success. At school it was an absolute drawback because nobody really cared about him. If they did, it was only in a synthetic rock and roll way. Nobody had a passion for him as I did - for that constant uneasiness with life. Even though he was making enormous strides with his craft, he was still incredibly miserable and obviously doomed. Which is exactly the quality Oscar Wilde had. That kind of mystical knowledge that there is something incredibly black around the corner. People who feel this are quite special and always end up in quite a mangled mess."

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Biography Memoir, Music

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

Steven Patrick Morrissey (born 22 May 1959), known primarily as Morrissey, is an English lyricist and singer. He rose to prominence in the 1980s as the lyricist and vocalist of the alternative rock band the Smiths. The band was highly successful in the UK but broke up in 1987, and Morrissey began a solo career, making the top ten of the UK Singles Chart in the United Kingdom on ten occasions. Widely regarded as an important innovator in indie music, Morrissey has been described by music magazine NME as "one of the most influential artists ever," and The Independent has stated "most pop stars have to be dead before they reach the iconic status he has reached in his lifetime." Pitchfork Media has called him "one of the most singular figures in Western popular culture from the last 20 years."

Morrissey's lyrics have been described as "dramatic, bleak, funny vignettes about doomed relationships, lonely nightclubs, the burden of the past and the prison of the home." He is also noted for his unique baritone vocal style, though he's known to use falsetto for emphasis. His forthright, often contrarian opinions, especially on the subject of race, have led to a number of media controversies, and he has also attracted media attention for his advocacy of vegetarianism and animal rights. He has also been noted for his quiff haircut as well as his performance style of his early years.

Reviews

[Christian Doig · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first time I read this book was in 2001, when I was 24 --just like Dean when he died, not long before turning 25-- and my personal Dean-mania had reached its peak, a life turning-point which led me to pursue a professional acting career against all the odds. I felt identified with Jimmy beyond any speakable reason or affinity, so this brief biography penned by the Smiths' frontman with the same devotion and the fervor only a true Deaner could be able to translate into words fell from heaven to my then lost little boy blue's hands. The author treated his legendary, enigmatic subject as if he was talking of his own self, and I could only relate to that in the uttermost way.

Needless to say, every word was a revelation. I was not alone in this world, and certainly not in my worship of the immortal Little Bastard. The portrayal of Jimmy Dean that comes out of these pages is that of the still now misunderstood artist so often mistaken with an icon of cool he will never be: the recluse, the introverted, the neurotic, the eccentric, the brooder, the irredeemable narcissist, the sad boy-man who in real life looked older than 30 yet will forever be the very picture of teenage angst. The acting genius who became the flaming star. Our sublime rebel. Morrissey's writing is concise but full of suggestions, vibrant with insight, a fitting tribute from the singer/lyricist of "This Charming Man", "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side", "Suedehead" and many other Dean-influenced musical jewels.

[Clover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful if you're a hugh James Dean & Morrissey fan a must have!

[Armand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've owned this book since the 80s. It is indispensable.

[✨Isla✨ Heartford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew Morrissey was as big of a James Dean fan as I am?!

[James Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a fan of both Morrissey and James Dean, I couldn't wait to read this book when I finally found a PDF I could read it on. It is a basic summary of James Dean's life and untimely death and could have just been another biography but Morrissey's passion and enthusiasm for him keeps the book interesting making it stand out from the crowd. I wonder why Morrissey is so ashamed of it. I honestly found it to be a nice, easy read (only 48 pages) that doesn't outstay it's welcome and even if you aren't a fan of Morrissey/Smiths I would still recommend.

[Ophélie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think he’s dead morrissey

[Marcus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Described by Morrissey as a "thick pamphlet", this is a serviceable little essay on his silver screen idol. The potted biography contains photographs and a film review of East of Eden by another writer. Moz would pay tribute to the actor in the video for his breakout solo hit Suedehead, visiting among other sights, his grave.

[Michael B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Leyman for loaning me this book. Must have been controversial when it came out.