Description

Life - DVD | The Story of James Dean and Dennis Stock's Iconic Photo Essay

Product Information

UPC: 5030305519643
Product Type: DVD Movie
Genre: Biographical Drama
Language: English
Audio: English 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround / 2.0 Stereo
Subtitles: English SDH (Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing)
Format: DVD PAL, 16:9 aspect ratio (2.40:1)
Duration: 107 minutes
Release Year: 2015 (Film), 2016 (DVD release)
Director: Anton Corbijn
Age Rating: 15 (Contains strong sex, drug use)
Region: Region 2 (Europe)
Distributor: Entertainment One UK Limited

Overview

"Life" is a compelling biographical drama directed by Anton Corbijn (known for "Control") that explores the relationship between fledgling photographer Dennis Stock (Robert Pattinson) and the young, soon-to-be-iconic actor James Dean (Dane DeHaan). Set in 1955, the film chronicles their journey across America as Stock convinces Dean to be the subject of a photo essay for Life Magazine. Traveling from Los Angeles to New York and finally to Dean's hometown of Fairmont, Indiana, Stock aims to capture the enigmatic actor in environments that shaped his unique character. What begins as documentation of a rebellious star on the cusp of fame transforms into something more poignant—a record of Dean's final moments of intimacy and simplicity just weeks before his untimely death that would cement his legendary status. Through Corbijn's meticulous direction, the film offers an intimate glimpse into the brief but profound connection between these two men, and the creation of some of the most iconic photographs in American cultural history.

Product Features

Format: DVD PAL (European format)
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (2.40:1) widescreen presentation
Audio Options: English 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound and 2.0 Stereo
Subtitle Options: English SDH
Special Features: Interviews with Robert Pattinson, Dane DeHaan, Joel Edgerton, Anton Corbijn, and more
Copy Protection: This disc is copy protected
Picture Quality: High-definition transfer

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance of the Photography:

The film depicts the creation of some of the most iconic photographs of the 20th century, including the famous image of James Dean walking through a rainy Times Square with hunched shoulders and a cigarette—a photo that would later become a defining symbol of youthful alienation and cool.

Director's Background:

Anton Corbijn, the film's director, began his career as a music photographer, shooting influential images of bands like Joy Division, U2, and Depeche Mode before transitioning to filmmaking. This background gives him a unique perspective on the story of a photographer capturing a cultural icon.

Historical Context:

The film is set in early 1955, just months before James Dean's breakthrough in "East of Eden" and "Rebel Without a Cause," and only about seven months before his fatal car accident at age 24. The photographs taken during this time would play a crucial role in cementing Dean's posthumous legendary status.

Artistic Approach:

Corbijn's film meticulously recreates the period details of 1950s America while also exploring the psychological dynamics between the introverted, ambitious photographer and the complex, introspective actor who was reluctant about his impending fame.

Cast and Crew

Starring: Robert Pattinson (Dennis Stock), Dane DeHaan (James Dean)
Supporting Cast: Joel Edgerton, Alessandra Mastronardi, Stella Schnabel, and Ben Kingsley
Director: Anton Corbijn
Writer: Luke Davies
Cinematography: Charlotte Bruus Christensen
Music: Owen Pallett
Producers: Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, Christina Piovesan, Benito Mueller, Wolfgang Mueller
Production Companies: See-Saw Films, First Generation Films, Barry Films, FilmNation Entertainment