I buy movies sometimes, and don't watch them right away. I had seen one of his movies years ago, but, it didn't leave much of an impression of me as a young man. Being older, I can see why James Dean was such a big celebrity, and is still a major movie icon after his untimely death decades ago.
The movie I bought, and watched recently was, "Rebel Without a Cause". I've got it on pause in my player, and will finish it later.
It's his look, acting ability, and character that is a whole package for a memorable image.
In the story, he's a troubled teen. And, that's how he can relate to the masses. Everyone seems to have a rough adolescence, what ever backround you come from.
One of my all time favorite movies, "The Lost Boys", took a scene from Dean's movie. If you get a chance to see both films, you'll see what I mean.
