A Portrait of James Dean: Joshua Tree, 1951
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JOSHUA TREE 1951 follows James Dean (the handsome James Preston) on his first steps to becoming an international icon of youth and rebellion. The film is a series of revealing and sometimes dreamlike vignettes that blend autobiographical and fictionalised elements to present moments in this remarkable life.
We follow Jimmy Dean during two periods of his life; in 1949 when he joins UCLA where he wrestles with the mental and sexual boundaries of society. Whilst in California he starts to experiment with his sexuality, and finds solace in the beds of both men and women.
The film’s ‘present tense’ is 1951 where Dean drives to the Joshua Tree desert. Along for the ride is The Roommate (Dan Glenn), a struggling actor who loved Dean whilst they were at college.
Director, Matthew Mishory presents an honest exploration of Dean’s complicated sexuality and formative relationships redefining the boy behind the icon.
