As a lifelong admirer of James Dean and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I can’t help but feel both excitement and anticipation for Guy Guido’s upcoming biopic, “Surviving James Dean”. The story of William Bast’s relationship with the legendary actor is not only a fascinating tale of friendship and love, but also an important reminder of the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals during the 1950s.
A feature is in the works that aims to explore the personal life of legendary actor James Dean.
Film director Guy Guido recently obtained the permission to adapt William Bast’s 2006 memoir titled “Surviving James Dean” into a biographical movie, named after the book itself. Having penned the screenplay, Guido is now discussing production prospects with various studios and is actively seeking the ideal actors for the main characters.
At the UCLA Theater Program, Bast encountered Dean when he was 19 years old. In his book, he recounted that they became roommates, friends, and eventually lovers. Bast asserted that to protect Dean’s career, they kept their relationship discreet while Dean was involved with several high-profile female stars. Despite this, Bast held on to the hope that one day they would live together again. Tragically, five years after their first meeting, Dean passed away in a car accident at the age of 24 in 1955. Two of his iconic movies, Rebel Without a Cause and Giant, were released posthumously.
Guido’s script spans the period from when Bast first met Dean, up until the actor’s death on September 30, 1955. This movie is planned for release on the anniversary of Dean’s passing. (It’s worth noting that Bast passed away in 2015 at 84 years old.) The film will explore the development and challenges faced by Bast and Dean’s relationship, as well as Bast’s journey in accepting his sexuality as a gay man during the 1950s.
Guido shares that he’s been an admirer and student of James Dean since his teenage years, which is why he was aware of Dean’s friend Willie, despite the Hollywood industry trying to downplay their relationship. As a filmmaker, Guido is passionate about depicting a celebrity’s life during their formative years. Being a gay man, Bast’s intriguing story specifically resonated with him.
Guido is meticulously selecting actors to portray characters like Dean, Bast, and Bast’s stylish, unmarried mother, ensuring that the narrative receives its due respect. Previously, this filmmaker successfully directed the movie titled “Madonna and the Breakfast Club“, which was released on Hulu in 2020.
He clarifies that he’s deeply focused on achieving an authentic appearance in the movie about a renowned figure, be it casting or directing. His aim is to make viewers believe they’re watching the genuine James Dean unfold on-screen.
James Franco previously played Dean in the 2001 TV movie James Dean.
The movie adaptation of “Surviving James Dean” still lacks funding at present, however, Guido remains optimistic that he’ll find the perfect match following his recent discussions regarding the project.
He goes on to say, “I’m looking for the perfect collaborators. They should appreciate the significance and impact of a tale such as this, given our current socially polarized era, and be able to grasp its weight.
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2024-09-30 23:55