Review of Bedlam (1946) by James C — 26 Jun 2008
The Age of Reason is unmasked as a sham of class exploitation and cruelty in this striking gothic horror from producer Val Lewton. Bedlam is seen as a heterotopia in which the insanities of its era, all of the injustices and abuses by the upper classes, are concentrated and then addressed, avenged and reformed.
Karloff is the keeper of the madhouse, a cruel and bitter man but one whose cruelty and bitterness is clearly the result of the class system. The film gets a bit slow at times, but there's enough intriguing and quirky material to make for a thought-provoking viewing experience.
Certain moments, like the madman in the final crazed "trial" of Karloff who repeats "I am King Soloman the wise - cut him in two". They say that madness is an access of reason, and here that argument is conclusively proven.
This review of Bedlam (1946) was written by James C on 26 Jun 2008.
Bedlam has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
