Rebel Without A Cause Theme

Teenage films are often thought of films focused on issues such as teen angst, conflict with parents, coming of age, and most notably rebellion. Nicholas Ray’s Rebel Without a Cause(1955) is one of the first films that could be classified as such. In today’s times, many films that fall into this genre follow the same structure as Rebel without a Cause in that perceptions and activities of youth defy what is considered to be a seemingly more stable adult life. Prior to Rebel Without a Cause, there wasn’t a film that challenged the ideas of masculinity in society and the struggles that teenagers endured in that era, so it is no surprise that the film is considered to be the poster child of youth rebellion in the 1950’s. Ray brings to light a

lack of understanding that existed in society in that era, depicting the consequences of these unspoken matters through the portrayal of troubled teenagers. While some of the issues brought to light in the film may have stark contrasts to how they are viewed today, Ray introduces the true nature of post-war 1950’s to American society.

From the beginning of the film, it is evident that a strong conflict exists between the main characters and their parents, much like any relationship of teenagers with their parents. During this time, many fathers were not able to be at home with their families Ray plays this conflict throughout the film, using it as a basis to understand the relationships that are made as well as the general attitude the characters have towards their parents. As we see in the film, Jim Stark looks for a role-model in his father, Frank, however his mother, Carol, constantly takes control. It becomes clear that Jim’s father is not who Jim wants him to be, directly affecting their relationship. We see this in the beginning of the film when all the characters are introduced at the police station. Jim’s father says to him, “We give you love and affection, don't we? Then what is it? I can't even touch you anymore but you pull away. I want to understand you” (Stern).The desire for a father figure is something that all the teenagers share. Each of the main characters long for some sort of companionship and sense of belonging; whether it be Jim who wishes for his father to stand up to his mother, or Judy, whose father refuses to give her any affection because she is too “grown up”, and Plato, whose parents have abandoned him. With the lack of a role model to assist them, they are forced to go to each other for guidance, or take on the role of a father themselves. As we see with Plato, he finds comfort with his friend’s Judy and Jim; transitioning those characters into the role of ideal parents he wanted for himself. Throughout the film, we can see that Plato looks up to Jim in many ways and it becomes clear that his perception of Jim is more of a fatherly figure than a friend. Near the end of the film, this becomes even more evident when Plato rushes to the abandoned mansion to protect Jim. However things take a turn for the worse when Plato arises to see that his friends have deserted him. He says, “What you run out on me for! What you leave me alone for? I don't want you for my father!” (Stern). Ironically enough, Plato’s new found father lets him down just as much as his old one.

The recurring theme of masculinity, or rather the lack of, is one that is constantly questioned in the film.

Back in the 1950’s the idea of masculinity was a loosely-defined term. It was a time in which the country was dealing with men returning from years at war and struggling to assimilate back into society. As a result, many were forced with the challenge of being the breadwinner of the family while maintaining what were considered conventional fatherly characteristics of that time. Rebel Without a Cause challenges this notion through the portrayal of Jim’s father Frank Stark. Frank is not the typical post-world war two breadwinner of a father, rather, Carol Stark provides for the family. Additionally, Frank lacks the ability to stand up to his wife, something Jim longs for. As a result, Frank lacks the ability to control his own son. Jim’s insecurities about his father further influence his impulsive nature. We first see this when the teenagers take a field trip to the planetarium. Jim is approached by Buzz and his friends who start clucking like a chicken. At first Jim doesn’t want any trouble, but after Buzz kicks Plato, a switch goes off in his head and a fight breaks out. Acting on impulse, Jim yells, “All right--you want it, you got it!” (Stern). Jim’s impulsive nature and need to prove himself gets him into even more trouble when he agrees to a chicken-run with Buzz. Jim doesn’t want to race, but does not back down as his pride is questioned. This feeling of peer pressure is one that is all too familiar with any teenager. When Jim asks his father for advice on the situation, he replies, You know I never stop you from anything. In ten years you'll look back on this and wish you were a kid again” (Stern). Unsatisfied with his father’s answer, Jim storms out of the house as his desperate father tries to reason with him. The chicken-race that follows is a great illustration of masculinity, for what is more masculine than loud, powerful American automobiles.

In the end, only one man can be the leader of the pack, and through unfortunate circumstances, that man is Jim.
In the course of the film, we see that the consequences of conflict between parents and teenagers often goes unanswered. The parents inability to control their kids parallels with the teenagers inability to understand and take control of their own problems. While the issues depicted in this film may have been new to that time, many of these problems still exist in the everyday lives of teens. From the constant arguing with parents, to the stress to succumb to peer pressure, Rebel Without a Cause remains as one of the most relatable films to this day.