Hopgood engages in a participant observation anthropological study of a highly particular culture: extreme fans of James Dean, whom he calls “Deaners.” He examines particular Deaner motivations and practices, as well as analyzing Dean’s Indiana hometown, which has become a touchpoint for the fan culture. Hopgood explores how the myth of James Dean as “rebel” was originally constructed by Hollywood and the press, the ways that people even decades later may become Deaners, the creative exuberance that Dean still inspires, and even the possible religious overtones of such a specific fan identity. Intriguingly, he even explores whether it’s more appropriate to call this a cult or a movement.

Hopgood carefully balances description (in interviews with Deaners as well as observation of Deaner rituals in Fairmount), establishing himself as an authority not only on this particular movement but also on deeper celebrity and pop culture dynamics. He notes that this fascinating project began “in an exploratory way, with few expectations,” but in practice it’s a rich, revealing study, utilizing several theoretical frameworks, particularly Peirce’s theory concerning the semiotic. Hopgood’s description of his research methods is also extremely helpful, especially considering he establishes it early, but the reader may wonder if Hopgood is himself a Deaner or what attracts him to study this particular fan culture. The “cult” question is particularly engaging. Although Hopgood finds the fandom too loosely organized to be considered a true religious movement, it still shares many characteristics with other groups that receive inspiration from a charismatic person.

Hopgood includes photographs and diagrams of Dean memorabilia and anthropological models that he cites throughout the text. A comprehensive index and bibliography also will prove insightful for the reader looking for further resources. Deaners may find the material challenging, though thoughtful readers interested in how fan cultures evolve, especially after the death of an extremely charismatic person, will learn much from Hopgood’s deep description and analysis.

Takeaway: A fascinating study of James Dean fandom and fan culture itself.

Great for fans of: David Dalton’s James Dean: The Mutant King Paul Booth and Rebecca Williams’s A Fan Studies Primer.

Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: B