Review of Bigger Than Life (1956) by Jeff D — 10 Aug 2010

An interesting study of psychotic delusion via the subject of prescribed drug addiction, the visuals and performance reinforce the darkness lurking below the surface of a perfect suburban life. James Mason is clearly the stand-out, Walter Matthau plays well the role he played often in his early career.

But, most of the time, it comes off too dated and silly to be taken as seriously as it should. A really absurd and kind of terrible final scene weakens a very strong climactic scene minutes before. But Ray's visual style keeps my interest strong in checking out the rest of his career's work.