In 1985, I made my first journey to Fairmont, Indiana. A friend and I drove from Chicago in a blue and white 1957 Chevy Bel Air two plus hours into America’s heartland. It was summertime and we were making our first visit to the hometown and burial place of the late and iconic actor of the 1950’s, James Dean. Thus began my love affair with the mercurial actor (proves in some small way I was always destined to be a fangirl ~ *smile*). Today is 8 February and is also James Dean’s birthday. Were he still alive, he would be celebrating his 86th. I can think of no better way to celebrate than being able to honor one of my all time favorite actors of the past with my new found favorite artist of the present. Today, my soulful countdown ode to G.O comes by way of his ode to James Dean.
Imagine my shock and surprise when I discovered that G.O chose James Dean as his character theme for MBLAQ’s third mini album, Mona Lisa. I guess G.O and I were destined to cross paths for I have to believe that he had to have some idea of who James Dean was and, in fact, I believe he once said he felt a connect to his character and perhaps understood Dean’s passion for his art. Or maybe, it was Dean’s belief that ‘only the gentle are ever really strong‘ that struck a chord with our tender main vocal. I have to believe G.O is well-acquainted with the iconic actor and his movies. There were only three but how amazing to have left such a huge mark on the world with such a small body of work. It was powerful work, however, so I completely understand the interest and attraction.
It would also not surprise me if G.O owned all three of those films (or at least have watched them somewhere, and multiple times). I am guessing Rebel Without A Cause would be G.O’s favorite ~ East of Eden is mine. I am quite sure G.O was drawn to Jim’s authenticity as an artist in the way I am similarly drawn to G.O. Both men live (lived) life from a very honest place and share (shared) similar passion for their art.
~Rebel Without A Cause, 1955
Indeed, both share quite a few similarities: talented, focused, driven, intelligent, inquisitive, and quick-witted. Not to mention magnetic, romantic, charming and sexy.
Interestingly (although not surprising to me), G.O turned 24 the year Mona Lisa was released. James Dean died in an automobile accident at the age of 24 in 1955. You call me crazy, but I do not believe in coincidences, not since becoming an A+, anyway. I have to believe somewhere in my funky new age mind that G.O was fully aware of this fact. I cannot believe he chose to emulate James Dean for the Mona Lisa album cover concept on a whim. I think it is safe to say there is always thought and reason behind what G.O sings, what G.O says, and what G.O does. It’s my own thought however, but I firmly believe that nothing is arbitrary with him.
I want to close with a quote from James Dean’s (and my) favorite book, The Little Prince:
What moves me so deeply, about this little prince who is sleeping here, is his loyalty to a flower ~ the image of a rose that shines through his whole being like a flame of a lamp, even when he is asleep . . . And I felt him to be more fragile still. I felt the need of protecting him, as if he himself were a flame that might be extinguished by a little puff of wind . . .
~The Little Prince by Antoine St. Exupéry
Tim B. ~ The Little Prince Terrestrial (Instr.)
~♥~