I can't see anyone else in the role. They considered casting Brando as Cal and Montgomery Clift as Aron. But I don't think that would've ever worked. I couldn't see anyone but James Dean as Cal. James Dean was Cal. I can't see Monty as Aron either. Brando was a great actor, but Cal? No. James Dean was Cal. It also might have helped that he had a very estranged relationship with his father.
shareI think Brando and Clift were considered earlier on when they were a bit younger. But once things were on production-wise, they were too old to convincingly play teens.
bluemoon89.tumblr.com
thelittlethingsmp.blogspot.com/
I can't imagine Brando as Cal. Clift had a sensitivity to match the feelings Dean brings to his performance as Cal. I think this is Dean's best performance and I loved the film.
I give my respect to those who have earned it; to everyone else, I'm civil.share