''Rebel Without a Cause'', 1955 - art by Rolf Goetze

A vintage German movie poster of ''Rebel Without a Cause'', a 1955 American drama film directed by Nicholas Ray. The film is celebrated for its... more

by Movie World Posters

Title

''Rebel Without a Cause'', 1955 - art by Rolf Goetze

Artist

Movie World Posters

Medium

Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Poster

Description

A vintage German movie poster of ''Rebel Without a Cause'', a 1955 American drama film directed by Nicholas Ray. The film is celebrated for its exploration of teenage angst and rebellion and for the iconic performance of its lead actor, James Dean.

The story follows Jim Stark, portrayed by James Dean, a troubled and rebellious teenager who moves to a new town with his parents. Jim struggles to fit in and navigate the challenges of high school life, leading to conflicts with his parents and encounters with other troubled youth, including Judy, played by Natalie Wood, and Plato, portrayed by Sal Mineo. The film delves into themes of family dysfunction, peer pressure, and the search for identity and belonging.

"Rebel Without a Cause" is considered a landmark in the portrayal of teenage issues in cinema. James Dean's portrayal of Jim Stark became iconic and is often associated with the image of the misunderstood and rebellious youth. The film is noted for its realistic depiction of teenage emotions and conflicts.

The title, "Rebel Without a Cause," reflects the central theme of teenage rebellion and the characters' struggle to find meaning and purpose in their lives.

The film also features strong supporting performances, including Natalie Wood's portrayal of Judy and Sal Mineo's portrayal of Plato. The movie's exploration of the complexities of family dynamics and the search for acceptance and understanding resonated with audiences of the time and continues to do so today.

"Rebel Without a Cause" is regarded as a classic of American cinema and is a significant work in the history of youth-oriented films. Its themes and performances have had a lasting impact on popular culture, and James Dean's tragic death shortly after the film's release cemented his status as a cultural icon.

About the artist:

Rolf Goetze was a German illustrator and painter who painted film poster art for about 30 years. His early works began in the 1930s, when he did a number of posters for Greta Garbo films, including "Queen Christina" (1934), "Anna Karenina" (1935), and "Camille" (1936). He continued creating German poster artwork of mostly American films through the 1960s.

From a stylistic point of view, Goetze's posters are characterized by a great compositional structure; the German designer was capable of blending incredibly realistic, close-up portraits, with elaborate scenes in the background. An undisputed master of portraiture, Goetze created numerous posters using monochrome, black and white, or sepia palettes. His posters look like realistic, vivid charcoal drawings. They are able to represent faces and expressions of their protagonists, as mirrors faithful to reality.

Search for Goetze to see more of his art.

Uploaded

December 25th, 2021