James Dean (2001)

What do Stephen McHattie in James Dean: Portrait of a Friend (1976); Casper Van Dien in James Dean: Race with Destiny (1997); Cole Carson in Two Friendly Ghosts (2012); James Preston in Joshua Tree, 1951: A Portrait of James Dean (2012); and Dane DeHaan in Life (2015) have in common? All of these actors have played James Dean. Of course, Mr. Man’s favorite portrayal of the famous yet ill-fated actor is James Franco in James Dean (2001). Thanks to the direction of Mark Rydell (who plays studio head Jack L. Warner), this small screen biopic follows James as he rubs shoulders (and other parts of his anatomy) with his girlfriend Christine White (Amy Rydell) and Italian actress Pier Angeli (Valentina Cervi). The story also includes Dean’s deadbeat dad (Michael Moriarty), his co-star Julie Harris (Wendy Benson), his acting mentor James Whitmore (David Parker), esteemed director Elia Kazan (Enrico Colantoni), actor Martin Landau (Samuel Gould), sex symbol Marilyn Monroe (Holly Beavon) and screen legend Judy Garland (Elizabeth Karsell). Mr. Franco skinsationally channels Mr. Dean in both body and spirit. In fact, the brooding dude lets it all hang out at the 01:10:52 mark. In the scene, James is arguing with his girlfriend. As he’s yelling, he tosses aside the blanket he’s wrapped in. The passionate act showcases his toned torso and bare butt! The shot is from a distance, but Franco’s fantastic flanks are clearly visible. In other words, this portrait of a rising star will make the members on audience members rise!