Still Frame Analysis

In Rebel Without a Cause, there are many symbols in the imagery presented. The picture of Jim mourning over the loss of Plato shows many critical symbols. Although Jim is a very tough person, in this scene, the audience is able to see Jim’s more emotional side. In certain other scenes, Jim is positioned higher than his mom or dad. Such as in the scene in which Jim is fighting with his parents because of Buzzs’ death. It makes him look intimidating, which expresses how Jim tends to defy parental authority. On the other had, in this scene, Jim is positioned below his dad which could show that he longs for his comfort. It also represents that Jim has finally become accepting of his parents. Instead of constantly disputing with his parents, this scene represents how Jim and his dad are finally able to come together.
The colors in this picture also have an importance when analyzing symbols. Jim’s dad is wearing black/navy and white. Jim is wearing a white top, and in the background it is mainly black and grey. When a scene lack colors and light, it symbolizes how the characters are feeling. Usually bright colors are associated with happiness. In this scene there is an overwhelming use of white, grey, and black ( all colors/shades that lack depth). The use of these gloomy colors represents how the mood in this picture is very gloomy. This scene happens right after Plato gets shot, and is trying to make the audience feel all the grief and despair coming from Jim.
Although there is a lot of darkness and shadows, this scene also has some light pointing towards Jim and his dad. This light could represent how although Jim’s relationship with Plato is over, the relationship Jim has with his dad is becoming stronger. This connects back to the meaning behind Jim’s positioning. Both the positioning and the shadows in the background show how he is in a very vulnerable position. But the light that shines on Jim and his dad shows how the relationship between the two of them is still there. Throughout the movie, it is evident that Jim has a shaky relationship with both of his parents. The fact that his dad was there for him and consoled him the minute that Plato died, shows how they still have a bond which is represented by the light.
In the background, a shadow of Jim’s dad can be seen. As previously mentioned, Jim has a negative view towards his parents throughout the whole movie. In this scene Jim’s dad can seen as either the man consoling Jim, or the shadow that he is casting in the background. This can show two ways in which Jim views his dad. Jim either views his dad in a negative way (represented by the shadow in the background), or he either views him in a more positive way (represented by Jim’s actual dad in the scene). In this scene it can be seen that Jim’s dad is much bigger than his shadow, which conveys that Jim currently views his dad as a loving person he needs and trusts. In the scene where Jim and his parents are fighting over what happened with Buzz, the is very little amount of light compared to this scene, which is filled with shadows. The lighting and shadows represent the mood and whether something good or bad is happening. The imagery in this scene conveys a message and connects to Jim's relationship with his parents. By looking at other scenes in the movie, it is evident that the imagery creates a more negative mood when it comes to Jim’s relationship with his parents. Although dark colors and symbols of sadness are still present in this scene, the imagery directs the audience more on how Jim and his dad are interacting with each other at this point in the movie. It is clear that this scene creates a warm and ‘happy ending’ when it comes to the father and son relationship Jim has with his dad.