Life

R

Released Dec 4, 2015

1 hr. 52 min.

Biography

History

Drama

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List

64%

61 Reviews

Tomatometer

45%

1,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

In 1955, young photographer Dennis Stock (Robert Pattinson) develops a close bond with actor James Dean (Dane DeHaan) while shooting pictures of the rising Hollywood star.

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Critics Consensus

Life may frustrate viewers seeking a James Dean biopic with its subject's intensity, but it remains a diverting, well-acted effort assembled with admirable craft and ambition.

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Harald B

Could they not find someone who looked remotely like James Dean?. Making him act like a challenged or autistic person did not help either.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

06/19/23

Full Review

Leaburn O

As someone who knows little of James Dean except the legendary rebel persona, I found this an interesting portrait. I liked the photographer angle and thought the acting was decent.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/05/23

Full Review

micha s

DeHaan becomes Dean and along with an excellent supporting cast (Edgerton and the family in Indiana), these are what this film has going for it, and that's no small thing. It's unlikely that anyone would have been able to play this role credibly, so watching and listening to DeHaan is an absolute treat.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I love these actors and I love Dean, but this was like watching grass grow. Pattinson gives the real performance here tho. He doesn't hide the awkwardness of Dennis Stock or the shame he carries around, something Dean doesn't really get in coming from such a loving family. But the whole film is a waiting game to see the final shots, which we only end up seeing a few of. Thanks, guys. The closing poetry was a beautiful touch, but worth the time invested? Meh.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/23/23

Full Review

william k

Carefully directed and beautifully photographed study of a short historic friendship is more focused on Dennis Stock's perspective, Robert Pattinson delivering an excellent portrait of the man.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

If you missed this, and don't like the ratings, give it a go. Sure, it's not perfect, but there's a lot of art in this that you need to watch carefully. Definitely mark this one for a reflective night in.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/18/23

Full Review

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Anton Corbijn

Director

Robert Pattinson

Dennis Stock

Dane DeHaan

James Dean

Joel Edgerton

John Morris

Ben Kingsley

Jack Warner

Alessandra Mastronardi

Pier Angeli

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Jessica Kiang

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Corbijn is great at taking real-life flesh and blood people and alchemically rendering them in striking 2-dimensional images that transcend and mythologize the reality, but "Life" shows him fall some way short of achieving the reverse.

Rated: C+

Dec 5, 2015

Full Review

Liz Braun

Toronto Sun

Both Pattinson and DeHaan could have used more to do, but both actors put in performances that elevate the proceedings.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 4, 2015

Full Review

Brad Wheeler

Globe and Mail

A moody, leisurely and occasionally frustrating piece of work ...

Rated: 3/4

Dec 4, 2015

Full Review

Nicholas Bell

IONCINEMA.com

A disappointment considering Corbijn's abilities (particularly when compared to his first and best effort, 2007's Control, another portrait of a tragic artist).

Oct 9, 2020

Full Review

Danielle Davenport

One Room With A View

Anton Corbijn's snapshot of a photographer and his muse is cool and well made. Unfortunately, in comparison to its tremendous cast, Life is underwhelming.

Rated: 3/5

May 16, 2019

Full Review

Alison Rowat

The Herald (Scotland)

The unexpected delight here is Pattinson, who takes the character of Stock and shows every side of him, the unflattering ones included, to the camera.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 23, 2018

Full Review

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Synopsis

In 1955, young photographer Dennis Stock (Robert Pattinson) develops a close bond with actor James Dean (Dane DeHaan) while shooting pictures of the rising Hollywood star.

Director: Anton Corbijn
Executive Producer: Tessa Ross, Mark Slone, Michel Merkt, Mark Roberts, Sheldon Rabinowitz, Ross Jacobson
Screenwriter: Luke Davies
Distributor: Cinedigm
Production Co: See-Saw Films
Rating: R (Some Sexuality/Nudity|Language)
Genre: Biography, History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 4, 2015, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 7, 2016

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