Director: Anton Corbijn
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Dane DeHaan, Joel Edgerton
Special Features: Cast & Crew Interviews
Certificate: 15
Chronicling the iconic 1955 LIFE magazine photo spread of James Dean and the actor’s friendship with photographer Dennis Stock, Life is an interesting if slightly unusual subject for a film. Directed by Control’s Anton Corbijn (a former photographer himself), the film stars Robert Pattinson and Dane DeHaan as the two young men trying to make a name for themselves in 50’s Los Angeles.
Following a chance encounter with rising star James Dean (Dane DeHaan) at an LA party, red-carpet photographer Dennis Stock (Robert Pattinson) attempts to further both their careers by masterminding a photo feature to coincide with the release of East Of Eden. Planning to sell the feature to LIFE magazine, Stock agrees to follow the reticent Dean to New York and Indiana, taking natural photos of the actor as they go.
Successfully capturing the ambiance of its 1950’s setting, Life is an understated character study, focusing on two differing men as individuals and their burgeoning friendship. Pattinson starts well as a shy and uncomfortable Stock and, despite only sharing a vague resemblance with Dean, DeHaan succeeds in channelling the enigmatic star, mimicking many of the actor’s mannerisms and vocal patterns with aplomb.
Unfortunately though, neither character feels fully formed – or particularly likeable – with Dean painted as lazy, selfish and immature and Pattinson’s Stock quickly becoming a bland, brooding workaholic. There’s a lack of real chemistry between the two throughout, with the film missing any real spark.
With the exception of a couple of scenes, the film lacks any emotional impact and interestingly Corbijn has also chosen to omit one major character element completely, with questions surrounding Dean’s sexuality completely ignored; a strange decision for a film of this nature.
Despite a handful of positives, Life is a largely dull and frustrating film, painfully slow in pace and flat in mood.
Life is available on Blu-ray, DVD and digital download now.
