See the first official trailer for upcoming biopic Life, with Dane DeHaan as James Dean and Robert Pattinson as photographer Dennis Stock.
Last week, Dazed Digital (the online edition of the London-based youth fashion and culture magazine Dazed & Confused) gave us an exclusive first look at the upcoming biopic Life, starring Dane DeHaan, Robert Pattinson and directed by Anton Corbijn:
LIFE is inspired by the true story of a friendship that developed between Magnum photographer Dennis Stock (Pattinson) and actor James Dean (DeHaan) when Stock was commissioned to photograph the actor for LIFE magazine in 1955.
Stock was 26 and old before his time, when into his buttoned-down world came fledgling star James Dean, a free spirit who would change popular culture from suits to jeans and from matinee idols to teenage heartthrobs.
The assignment, which took the pair on a photographic journey across the US, from LA to New York and on to Indiana would change Stock’s life and provide the world with some of the most iconic images of the age. (via FilmNation)
In an interview with Dazed, Corbijn emphasizes that the film is actually more about Dennis Stock: “We see it mostly through his eyes…and a lot of emphasis is placed on his side of the story and how he experiences this friendship. Jimmy and Dennis learn from each other; Dennis gets to look a little bit differently at his relationship to his son, and for James Dean it was quite interesting to have a friend with his own opinion, not a yes man. I don’t think Stock was that kind of guy.”
The trailer corroborates Corbijn’s assessment and begins with Dennis pitching a story about James Dean to his boss…and then also trying to convince Jimmy that the feature is a good idea. Then we get glimpses of their journey and blossoming friendship. Check it out below:
“The rebel who became an icon…”
I’m particularly drawn to the aspect of this story; while everyone is trying to convince Jimmy that fame and success in Hollywood comes with following a set of rules, he’s determined to be an artist on his own terms. I also enjoy Sir Ben Kingsley as Jack L. Warner (head of Warner Brothers Studios). Plus, Rob and Dane look great!
Life premiered earlier this year in February at Berlinale to rave reviews, but acccording to The Hollywood Reporter, the film doesn’t currently have a U.S. release date. However, as soon as more information is available, we’ll definitely share!
