Bigger Than Life
The Criterion Collection
Though ignored at the time of its release, Nicholas Ray’s Bigger Than Life is now recognized as one of the great American films of the 1950s. When a friendly, successful suburban teacher and father (James Mason, in one of his most indelible roles) is prescribed cortisone for a painful, possibly fatal affliction, he grows dangerously addicted to the experimental drug, resulting in his transformation into a psychotic and ultimately violent household despot. This Eisenhower-era throat-grabber, shot in expressive CinemaScope, is an excoriating take on the nuclear family. That it came in the day of Father Knows Best makes it all the more shocking—and wildly entertaining.
Member Reviews
intense if a bit dated - clauditorium
A man starts treatment with then-experimental drug cortisone. It relieves his pain, but soon begins showing very serious negative side effects. There’s an unfortunate whiff of Reefer Madness to this depressing melodrama, and some over-literal visuals (he says he feels ten feet tall and we get a low-angle shot that makes him look taller than the school where he teaches). Yet, despite not being very credible, the story accrues a primal intensity.a period piece - sooz
this movie really must be taken in context with the times it was made otherwise it will seem cheesy. this is a great illustration of how much movie subject matter has changed. as the brief description provided by Zip states, this was made in the days of Father Knows Best and the family unit was as holy as the church. even in this movie the father's violence is not part of his character or due to his inability to control his temper it is the side effect of a drug he is taking. even this was seen as pushing the boundaries. and if you don't take it in context of the times, you may want to give the spineless female lead a smack yourself. kidding. sort of.
i don't remember why i added this to my zip list. it was okay but i wouldn't call it stunning. it tries to make use of film noir techniques to add atmosphere but it's no film noir that's for sure and i can't say i liked Mason's acting. all and all it was interesting in a film-history context, but not so much as a movie in it's own right. (i.m.o.)
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intense if a bit dated - clauditorium
A man starts treatment with then-experimental drug cortisone. It relieves his pain, but soon begins showing very serious negative side effects. There’s an unfortunate whiff of Reefer Madness to this depressing melodrama, and some over-literal visuals (he says ...a period piece - sooz
this movie really must be taken in context with the times it was made otherwise it will seem cheesy. this is a great illustration of how much movie subject matter has changed. as the brief description provided by Zip states, this was made in the days of ...