29 quotes
Tensions on Set During Giant Filming
James Dean
When I started shooting Giant, nothing went right between the director, ], and me. Maybe it was because I missed Pier. Or maybe it was because Stevens reminded me of my father.
[voice over; [w:George Stevens|George Stevens]
George Stevens
Where the hell is he?
Assistant Director
I'm sorry, Mr. Stevens, but he won't come to the set. He said you kept him waiting too long between takes.
George Stevens
What?
[shocked]
Assistant Director
He says he's done for the day.
George Stevens
Come on, I'll take care of it.
[short pause]
George Stevens
Jim, we're ready to shoot.
James Dean
Not me. Not today.
George Stevens
Come on, son, let's go. The well's rigged, we're losing the light, let's get out on the set.
James Dean
You know, you keep me waiting hours preparing for some scene. You never even get around to shooting. So I ain't working today. And you do it again, I'm gonna take two days, and then three.
[goes back to his trailer]
George Stevens
All right. Put Dean's clothes on his stand-in, we're shooting without him.
[to his assistant]
James Dean
Come on! Come on! You can push that mug ] around, but not me! You don't know what acting is, you stupid son of a bitch! Come on, old man! Come on!
[[w:Rock Hudson|Rock Hudson]
Assistant Director
I guess that's a wrap for today.
[they both walk away]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Land and Ambitions in a Scenic Setting
Winton Dean
Beautiful view.
James Dean
This is uh, where my house is gonna be. And I own that land over there, too.
Winton Dean
Nice car.
James Dean
Yeah, it's aluminum. They only made 30.
Winton Dean
Must have cost a lot.
James Dean
Well, I got a lot.
Winton Dean
Yeah, this town is yours, isn't it?
James Dean
I'm doing pretty good. You like LA, father?
Winton Dean
Do I like LA? Hm. Well, I'll tell you something, young man, if I could find the edge of this town, I'd leave it. But you're the edge of this town now. And you are everywhere.
James Dean
Why'd you do it, father? Why - Why'd you send me away? Why didn't you come to mother's funeral? Just talk to me.
[short pause]
Winton Dean
Yes, but I don't have to talk to you.
James Dean
You're my father.
Winton Dean
No, I'm not. I'm not your father, and your mother told me that. Yeah. Your mother, my wife, told me that I'm not- Well, I might not be your dad. Told me just before she died. She wanted to set things straight, I guess. See, when she was eighteen years old, she started seeing this other guy. He was married with kids and... she couldn't break it off, I guess. A couple of weeks after we were married, she found out that she's pregnant with you. And not knowing, I was the happiest man alive... for about nine years. But then, she just had to tell me the truth. And I just couldn't live with that. Yeah, you know, your mother was brave. Telling me the truth like she did. And I was... too prideful. I couldn't find the damn courage to forgive her. And so I got cheated out of my wife, and I cheated myself, out of having you as my son. And I'm proud of you, Jim. And I'm sorry that I acted so bad to you all these years.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Struggles of Identity and Belonging
Major Cast
Craig Barnett - ]
[[w:George Stevens|George Stevens]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Rejection of Glamour and Conformity
James Dean
I'm not even interested in this glitzy glamour crap! All right! If you wanna wear monkey suits! That's fine! Not me!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Frustration with Delays in Filming
James Dean
You know, you keep me waiting hours preparing for some scene. You never even get around to shooting. So I ain't working today. And you do it again, I'm gonna take two days, and then three.
[to director George Stevens]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Embracing Failure in Pursuit of Success
Martin Landau
You never know. I mean look at me; when I tried out for "Tennessee Williams" I thought I was terrible.
[about an audition]
James Dean
You were terrible... you didn't get the part.
Martin Landau
Just a detail.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Casting Conversations in a Creative Collaboration
Nicholas Ray
Always knew I was gonna get an actor like you for ]. I think... divine fate calls the shots for a director like me. You know what I mean? Brando. What, are they kidding? Brando is too old, man. You are fresh. You are perfect for this part. Perfect! We just gotta... We gotta find somebody... somebody great for the girl. What about ]? Huh? No, really, what do you think of her, huh? I wanna know. I really wanna know. Because, Jimmy, it's just you and I. We are on this quest together, baby. All the way down the line. Huh, what do you think?
[[Rebel Without a Cause|Rebel; [w:Natalie Wood|Natalie Wood; Dean shrugs]
James Dean
She's a child star, man.
Nicholas Ray
Child star, huh? Jimmy, this girl is seventeen years old, and she is built like the ]. I know. She doesn't look it, right? But I'm telling you that underneath those simple little childish cotton frocks, she is built like a marble masterpiece. Jimmy. Jimmy, listen to me.
[[w:Pietà|Pieta]
James Dean
What?
Nicholas Ray
You're young. You're wonderful and you're young, but if you'd have been there for the start of ] career, you would know what I see in this girl. Genius. Pure genius. That's what I see in you, Jimmy. Genius! Man, Rebel Without a Cause is gonna be the first visionary movie ever made about teenagers. You mark my word. Mark my word! You like jazz?
[[w:Helen Hayes|Helen Hayes']
James Dean
Yeah, I like jazz.
Nicholas Ray
] mean anything to you?
[[w:Chet Baker|Chet Baker]
James Dean
Yeah.
Nicholas Ray
He's playing down on the beach tonight. You want to go?
James Dean
Yeah, I'd love to.
Nicholas Ray
Solid, baby. Solid.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Conflicted Emotions Between Friends
Jack Warner
I love you and I hate you.
James Dean
I hate you, and I hate you.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Aspiration for Greatness
James Dean
I don't want to be just good. I want to be great.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Mother's Firm Religious Beliefs
Major Cast
] - Mrs. Pierangeli, Pier's strict religious mother.
[[w:Karen Kondazian|Karen Kondazian]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Reflecting on Loss After Filming
James Dean
], after the filming for East of Eden is finished] It's over. You know, this- this is like my family, and... I can't just let that go.
[to [[w:Julie Harris|Julie Harris]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Facing the Truth of Existence
Major Cast
David Parker - ]
[[w:James Whitmore|James Whitmore]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Conflicting Priorities in Hollywood Careers
Jack Warner
You know that uh, car racing is for idiots. Well, you're working for me, and I say "no racing cars". You find that funny, huh? I'm signing a deal that would pay you a million dollars and for a millions dollars I'm telling you, no more racing cars.
[on the Porsche 550 Spyder race car; looks at Dean who smiles; Dean nods]
James Dean
When I'm not shooting...
Jack Warner
Beg your pardon?
James Dean
When I'm not shooting, I'm on my own, Jack. If you don't like that, you can take...
Jack Warner
Oh, oh, oh, oh. You're gonna say something you're gonna regret.
[stops Dean]
James Dean
Smile, Jack.
Jack Warner
Why? Oh.
[notices a photographer wanting to take their picture]
Jack Warner
Get rid of it.
[on the car]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Reflections of Winton "Winnie" Dean
Major Cast
] - Winton "Winnie" Dean
[[w:Michael Moriarty|Michael Moriarty]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Journey of Artistic Promise
James Dean
My mother made me promise to be an artist. She taught me that imagination can take a person anywhere. Mine took me from Indiana, to Broadway, to Hollywood. She was right.
[voice over, opening lines]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Mother’s Love and Sacrifice
Major Cast
Lisa Robins - Mildred Dean, James mother.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
James Dean's Drumming Defiance
James Dean
I'm playing the drums! Go to hell!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Brightness and Shortness of Stars
Taglines
The stars that burn brightest burn quickest.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Navigating Identity and Fame in Youth
Major Cast
* Kyle Chambers - Young James Dean
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Choosing a Name: A Lighthearted Exchange
Martin Landau
What's your name?
James Dean
I can't decide.
Martin Landau
What are your choices?
James Dean
I've got James Dean, Jimmy Dean, Byron Dean.
Martin Landau
Which one's your real name?
James Dean
James. Byron's my middle name.
Martin Landau
Go with your real name.
James Dean
You think?
Martin Landau
I know. Jimmy's an eight year old boy, and Byron's a dead poet with a crooked foot.
James Dean
James is king. What's your name?
[laughs]
Martin Landau
Martin Landau.
James Dean
Where are you from?
Martin Landau
Why? Do you wanna come home and meet my mom?
James Dean
Yeah, can she cook?
Martin Landau
You like matzo ball soup?
James Dean
My favourite.
Martin Landau
You're invited. Where you living?
James Dean
Some dirt-hole rented room.
Martin Landau
What number you got?
James Dean
231.
Martin Landau
1216. Let's cut out, man. Cattle calls are for losers.
James Dean
They are?
Martin Landau
Unless you got an agent sending you in, you're kidding yourself.
James Dean
All right.
James Dean
You got an agent?
Martin Landau
If I had an agent, would I be blowing my time with a goof like you? Come on!
James Dean
Hey, whose Brando's agent in New York?
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Tense Conversation Between Two Characters
Winton Dean
So, it's you, huh?
James Dean
I need to talk to you.
Winton Dean
Ethel's waiting for me.
James Dean
Well, then why don't you let her wait?
Winton Dean
Now, hold on, young man. Don't take that attitude with me.
James Dean
No, I need to talk to you right now!
Winton Dean
But I don't have to...
James Dean
No, look! Everybody thinks I'm great except you!
Winton Dean
Well, fine, listen to them...
James Dean
Don't you read the paper?! I'm in the papers! Everybody wants to meet me except you! Why?! Why is that?!
Winton Dean
The stupidest mistake you've ever made...
James Dean
No shut up and listen to me! Why don't you talk to me?! You're my father! Please!
[grabs his father by the shirt]
Winton Dean
I deserve some damn respect...
James Dean
Dad, I was nine years old! Nine years old! Now open your mouth and talk to me!
Winton Dean
Just calm down.
James Dean
You talk to me! Dad, please! Please... Talk to me, please!
[grabbing his father; tearfully]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
James Dean Reflects on His Childhood
Elia Kazan
Have a seat.
Elia Kazan
Tell us about yourself, Jimmy.
James Dean
Well, you know, there's not much to tell. I was born in Indiana and moved out to California when I was five, till I was nine. My mother died, and then I was sent back to Indiana to live with my aunt and uncle.
[pauses]
Elia Kazan
What was it like living on a farm?
James Dean
I wasn't much of a farmer. I rode on a motorcycle. I used to chase the cows, they'd start running and others swinging from side to side.
[laughs]
Elia Kazan
How about your father?
[smiles]
James Dean
Well, we don't really talk much. We don't like each other. In fact we hate each other. See I'm an actor cos it's the best way I know how to express myself, I'm not very good with talking. I think you can tell.
[starts jabbing the knife into his chair]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Reflection on Personal Choices and Life
Major Cast
Amy Rydell - ]
[[w:Christine White (actress)|Christine White]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Setting Boundaries in Personal Relationships
James Dean
Tell ] and your crazy mother, to stay out of our lives!
[to Pier Angeli; [w:Vic Damone|Vic Damone]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Grandmother's Wisdom on Life
Major Cast
] - Emma Dean, James's grandma.
[[w:Peggy McCay|Peggy McCay]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Paradox of Youth and Speed
Taglines
Too fast to live. Too young to die.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Embracing Dreams in New York City
James Dean
I decided to move to New York. Every actor I cared about, Brando, Clift, even Whitmore, all worked in New York. New York was big and lonely. I loved it. Being a struggling actor in New York in the 1950s was the best, it was the right place at the right time. Stop worrying about my mother and father for a while. I was dead broke, didn't matter, cause I was home.
[voice over]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Reflections on Life and Choices
Major Cast
Samuel Gould - ]
[[Martin Landau]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Confrontation Over Offense in Acting Context
Elia Kazan
What the hell were you thinking in there? Raymond Massey is a highly respected actor and you've deeply offended him.
[after Dean insults [[w:Raymond Massey|Raymond Massey]
James Dean
He said I offended him?
[playing a flute]
Elia Kazan
Of course you deeply offended him.
James Dean
Good.
[continues playing his flute]
Elia Kazan
Why good?
[angrily grabs the flute off him]
James Dean
Cos I need him to hate me.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.