‘Johnny Suede’

Now that Brad Pitt is Hollywood’s most-discussed young male star of the moment, you may want to catch up with this charmingly offbeat 1992 release. Pitt (pictured) conveys the essence of a young man trying to be James Dean--even if his New York rock hopeful’s apparent idol is Rick Nelson. Pitt and writer-director Tom DiCillo, in his feature debut, cunningly craft a portrait of a wannabe star drunk on stardom, a poseur trapped in poses. Like good New York rock, “Johnny Suede” mixes up cynicism, hard edges and compassion. If you get on its oddball wavelength, this depiction of a sweet fake and loser should have you smiling almost continuously (TMC Saturday at 5:45 p.m.).