Review of Bigger Than Life (1956) by Paul J — 23 Jan 2010
Nicholas Ray's films are familiar yet strangely unusual at the same time. Huge kudos to Ray and Mason for making this film in the first place. Clearly, this wasn't a story that had huge aspirations for big box office.
Instead, they cared about a serious issue that was rarely discussed at the time. What I admire about the film is that the drug addiction could also work as a metaphor for countless different problems in the home.
The tension in some of the most mundane scenes is extremely effective. Mason is painfully honest and the third act is both hilarious and tragic. I love that fact that the film never lets the viewer off the hook but instead brings a constant uneasiness throughout.
This review of Bigger Than Life (1956) was written by Paul J on 23 Jan 2010.
Bigger Than Life has generally received very positive reviews.
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