Life

Part of the special series IN CONTROL: THE FILMS OF ANTON CORBIJN

LIFE is a quiet, introspective drama that centres on the encounter between the young photographer Dennis Stock (Robert Pattinson) and the up-and-coming acting legend James Dean (Dane DeHaan). The film tells the story behind the iconic pictures that Stock took for ‘Life’ magazine in 1955, which immortalised Dean as a symbol of rebellion and restlessness.

Dennis Stock, an ambitious but still unknown photographer, recognises the potential in James Dean, who is on the verge of his breakthrough as an actor. Dean himself remains a fascinating enigma: a charismatic but reserved man who rejects the hype surrounding him and gets lost between Hollywood's expectations and his own longing for freedom. Together, the two embark on a journey from Los Angeles to Indiana, during which a tender, respectful friendship develops.

Corbijn stages the story with his typical visual precision. Each image is carefully composed and reflects Stock's photographic eye. The rather cool colours and the detailed reconstruction of the 1950s create an atmospheric density that perfectly matches the restrained tone of the film.

LIFE is not a classic biopic, but a sensitive reflection on fame, creativity and those often fleeting moments that create true art. With its slow narrative pace and focus on character studies, Corbijn presents us with a thought-provoking film that deals intensively with the characters and at the same time celebrates the power of photography.