There’s a famous photo of James Dean, collar turned up, cigarette dangling from his mouth, braving a snowstorm in Times Square. This is the story behind that photo. Robert Pattinson does his best work to date (but this is not hard) as freelance photographer Dennis Stock, and the talented Dane DeHaan (Chronicle), for not looking at all like Dean, captures the star’s charisma.

Despite an occasionally heavy-handed script, director Anton Corbijn’s assured direction, aided immeasurably by cinematographer Charlotte Bruus Christensen’s wonderful use of light and shadow, make this a biodrama well worth a look. Japanese title: Dean, Kimi ga Ita Toki. (111 min)