Review of Shock Corridor (1963) by David K — 23 Feb 2009

A film with so much potential, I can't help but feel a little let down by it. I say this because the first half is doubtedly masterful. However, after the midway point, the film turns into a surrealistic nightmare where belief in the reality of this world must be suspended just because the "crazy" people are unrealistic.

I understood the point Fuller was making before he bashes his audience over the head with his message and for that reason I think the film really suffers. Still, there's a lot to admire in "Shock Corridor.

" For one, the acting is probably the best acting I've ever seen in a B-movie. The cinematography is extremely beautiful but also finds that line that so eloquently flirts with insanity. "Shock Corridor" at its heart, is examining humanity, psycho-analysis, and love.

These themes are already strong to begin with and to create such a compelling story to convey these themes is very commendable. Where the film loses points with me is the surreal path it takes with some of the inmates.

When they babble on about the insane American idealism that exists in society I got rather bored just because I felt that notion was already apparent before these characters opened their mouths. I just didn't buy into it.

However, when the protagonist finally makes that turn into insanity, the film becomes so visually interesting that I almost forgot about its downsides. "Shock Corridor" isn't necessarily a great film, but it had the makings of one, and I couldn't help but enjoy myself as I was watching it.