There have been many James Dean biopics over the years (one notably starring James Franco), and this time it's Dane DeHaan as the free-spirited iconic actor. He gets the mannerisms and daydreamy voice spot on; he's charming and embodies the Rebel Without A Cause star so eloquently. That intense but laidback smoulder...DeHaan is oddly captivating.  Dean is still a rising star, and so the journey is tracked in the time before his final films. If you know the story and life of James Dean, you'll recognise the importance of this. 

Interestingly, Life doesn't really focus closely on any of Dean's acting nor films nor success. Instead, photographer Dennis Stock (played by Robert Pattinson) is working for Life magazine and desperately trying to capture the essence of this unknown James Dean for a story. It's a man chasing (/stalking) an actor for a photoshoot, not all the glamour on a movie set. It's Hollywood without the actual Hollywood. And to a certain extent, it works. Pattinson's character, Stock, can come across as an obsessed man with a camera, but there are elements of clever awkwardness and the beginnings of a kind-of eventual friendship. There were moments even I felt rather awkward at the gaps in conversation and the weird nature of the relationship - with the sexual orientation of Dean constantly in debate, there are almost flirtatious exchanges on Dean's part. There's definitely some sort of strange chemistry.

The film shows subtle understanding of the golden age Hollywood machine and conforming to it as the only way to success. James Dean was the guy with a passion for acting and desire for individuality; a rebel to the system facing an obvious struggle to do so. Stock, on the other hand, acts as a great tool to help tell the story, and it's clearly a true story as well. Robert Pattinson has moments of understated greatness, but there are scenes where he's playing the world's worst dad and I'm reminded of Kristen Stewart's wooden exchanges in - you guessed it - Twilight.

Eventually, there's a road trip and family time with Dean in his element at home in Indiana - a stark contrast from the bright lights of the red carpet. Each photo captured is a very personal moment, seeming as authentic as possible to the real images. (Just wait until the credits.) There's also performances from Sir Ben Kingsley and Joel Edgerton too, so Life has a pretty impressive list of contributors if you think about it. 

Overall, Life is about more than just the Life of famous actor James Dean. At the same time, the film is a pretty flat line - it never really raises the roof and everything is done very quietly. At times I wasn't quite sure if the storyline was actually compelling enough, and I'm still not entirely convinced. If you're very familiar with Dean's body of work, however, you'll be in for a treat and a new perspective. DeHaan's very impressive performance is also a standout one. And hey, if you happened to see James Franco's performance in 2001 too, you'll be able to decide which Green Goblin did it better!

Life will be released in the UK on 25th September. USA will have to wait until 4th December. Oh well, that's Life.