Life (2015 film)

Life
Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	2015
Founder	Anton Corbijn (director), Luke Davies (screenwriter)
Products	Biographical drama film
Parent	See-Saw Films, First Generation Films, Barry Films Production

Life is a 2015 biographical drama helmed by director Anton Corbijn with a screenplay penned by Luke Davies. The narrative delves into the relationship between Life photographer Dennis Stock and actor James Dean, featuring Robert Pattinson portraying Stock and Dane DeHaan as Dean.

This film represents a collaborative production effort involving the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Australia. Among the producers are Iain Canning and Emile Sherman from See-Saw Films, together with Christina Piovesan of First Generation Films, supported by co-financing from Barry Films Production.

Principal photography took place between February and April 2014 in locations including Toronto and Los Angeles. Life had its debut at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival on 9 February 2015. In the United States, it was distributed through a limited theatrical release alongside video on demand starting 4 December 2015 by Cinedigm.

Synopsis

The plot centers on Dennis Stock, a photographer working for the Magnum Photos Agency, who is tasked with capturing images of the emerging Hollywood star James Dean prior to the premiere of East of Eden. Their evolving friendship unfolds as they journey from Los Angeles to New York City and then to Indiana.

Development

Luke Davies initiated the scriptwriting process in 2010, initially concentrating on James Dean himself. However, after encountering Stock’s renowned photographs of Dean taken at Times Square, Davies shifted focus to develop a screenplay centered on Dennis Stock. Director Anton Corbijn initially declined directing a James Dean biopic but became interested when approached with the story emphasizing the interaction between photographer and subject. Corbijn expressed that his main fascination lay with their relationship rather than Dean alone.

Casting

Anton Corbijn remarked that Robert Pattinson’s intense demeanor made him an ideal fit for portraying Dennis Stock, while Dane DeHaan’s multifaceted screen presence offered an intriguing interpretation of James Dean. Corbijn swiftly chose Pattinson for the role of Stock, and producers Iain Canning and Emile Sherman commended DeHaan’s adaptability along with the dynamic created by casting two prominent young actors. DeHaan acknowledged the difficulty in replicating Dean’s unique voice, underscoring his dedication to authenticity.

Pattinson characterized his role as emotionally reserved, noting that the film investigates themes of artistic identity and professional rivalry, which attracted him to participate.

In February 2014, Ben Kingsley was cast as Warner Bros. executive Jack L. Warner. Writer Luke Davies made a brief cameo appearance. Joel Edgerton later assumed the role of Magnum Photography editor John G. Morris after Philip Seymour Hoffman—originally offered the part—passed away prior to filming. Although Edgerton’s involvement was limited, he praised both the narrative and production team.

Filming

Principal filming commenced on 18 February 2014 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, continuing through 27 March 2014. Key scenes included Pattinson shooting in snowy conditions on 18 February and various locations around Toronto such as 33rd Maitland Street and Downtown Toronto. Pattinson, Kingsley, and DeHaan filmed scenes both indoors and outdoors, with additional sequences shot on a farm near Toronto from 26 February to 1 March. On 4 March, Millbrook near Peterborough, Ontario was transformed into a 1950s environment for scenes set at King Street and the Pastry Peddler shop. Filming also captured a rainy downtown scene on 7 March and converted Bay Street into a mid-20th-century New York City street on 8 March.

On 11 March, Pattinson and DeHaan filmed a motorcycle sequence in Toronto featuring a bike modeled after James Dean’s 1955 Trophy Triumph. Additional scenes were shot at Victoria and King streets on 15 March and at 71 Gloucester Street on 20 March.

Production then shifted to Los Angeles, California, where filming took place at Chateau Marmont on 30 March and at the Pantages Theatre on 31 March, which was styled to resemble the premiere event for the 1954 film A Star Is Born. Filming concluded on 1 April 2014.

Producer Christina Piovesan emphasized the difficulties encountered during outdoor shoots, mentioning that extensive farm sequences required lead actors to wear period costumes despite challenging weather conditions. She commended the professionalism exhibited by both cast and crew throughout these demanding circumstances.

Promotion and Marketing

On 6 March 2014, Entertainment Weekly unveiled the inaugural photograph featuring Pattinson and DeHaan portraying Stock and Dean. Transmission Films secured the rights for distribution in Australia as early as September 2013. After the film's premiere at the Berlinale, a clip showcasing Pattinson and DeHaan was made public on 9 February 2015. The official trailer was subsequently released on 12 August 2015.

Releases

The movie was showcased at the gala event of the Guanajuato International Film Festival on 24 July 2015, followed by its debut at the Deauville American Film Festival on 5 September, and later presented at the Sitges Film Festival in October of the same year.

Its theatrical rollout included a release in France on 9 September, Belgium on 21 September—where director Corbijn was present—Germany on 24 September, and the United Kingdom on 25 September 2015. For the U.S. market, Cinedigm acquired distribution rights and launched the film in select theaters alongside a video-on-demand release on 4 December 2015.

Reception

Critical responses ranged from mixed to favorable, with particular commendation for Pattinson’s and DeHaan’s portrayals of Stock and Dean. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 64% "Fresh" rating based on evaluations from 61 critics, averaging a score of 6.2 out of 10. The consensus reads: "Life might disappoint audiences anticipating a James Dean biopic infused with his characteristic intensity, yet it stands as an engaging, well-acted production crafted with notable skill and ambition." Meanwhile, Metacritic assigns a score of 59 from nine critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.

Tim Robey of The Daily Telegraph awarded four stars out of five, describing the film as an intimate study of human relationships while lauding Pattinson’s believable depiction of Stock’s restless desperation and DeHaan’s intriguing portrayal of Dean. Guy Lodge from Variety highlighted the film’s appeal within arthouse circles, praising its poignant portrayal of friendship and strong acting performances. Lodge emphasized Pattinson’s nuanced characterization alongside DeHaan’s charming depiction of Dean as a flirtatious personality.

Stephen Schaefer of the Boston Herald characterized Life as understated yet sincere, applauding Pattinson’s casting as Stock and DeHaan’s embodiment of Dean’s distinct 1950s coolness. Little White Lies commended the film’s progressively intensifying narrative and gripping dramatization of the creative partnership, noting DeHaan’s rhythmic dialogue delivery and Pattinson’s sharp performance as standout elements.

In contrast, David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter felt that while the film did not fully realize its potential, Pattinson delivered a well-rounded performance despite uneven character development. Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian assigned two stars out of five, describing the experience as frustrating despite containing some enjoyable moments.

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