Rent Bigger Than Life (1956)

3.8 of 5 from 89 ratings
1h 31min
Rent Bigger Than Life Online DVD & Blu-ray Rental
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Synopsis:
One of the greatest American films of the 1950s and a high point in the careers of both the lead actor James Mason and director Nicholas Ray. Mason gives a towering performance as Ed Avery, a happily married schoolteacher who agrees to take a new 'miracle drug' when diagnosed with a potentially fatal disease. It is not long before the drug begins producing malevolent and murderous side-effects that bring to the fore all of Ed's long-repressed frustrations with his life. Mason's support is, exceptional: Barbara Rush as Ed's devoted wife, Christopher Olsen a s his cruelly punished son and Walter Matthau as his faithful colleague.
One of cinema's most persuasive portraits of psychological turmoil, the film also succeeds magnificently as searing melodrama and subversive social critique, with Ray, his scriptwriters and cinematographer achieving a perfect balance between emotional realism and exprer;sionist allegory.
Actors:
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Directors:
Writers:
Cyril Hume, Richard Maibaum
Studio:
BFI Video
Genres:
Drama
Collections:
10 Films to Watch if You Like A Star Is Born, A History of Films Inspired by Magazine Articles, Films to Watch If You Like..., Getting to Know..., Getting to Know: James Mason, A Brief History of Film..., The Instant Expert's Guide to: Wim Wenders
BBFC:
Release Date:
30/07/2007
Run Time:
91 minutes
Languages:
English
Subtitles:
None
DVD Regions:
Region 2
Formats:
Pal
Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen 2.35:1
Colour:
Colour
Bonus:
  • Full feature commentary by Edward Buscombe
  • New filmed conversation between Jim Jarmusch and Jonathan Rosenbaum
  • Extracts from the 1969 interview with Nicholas Ray
  • Original theatrical trailer

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Reviews (1) of Bigger Than Life

Good but flawed - Bigger Than Life review by TE

Spoiler Alert
04/03/2019

Interesting artefact from the period when the American Dream was falling apart.

On this occasion it's not commies, space aliens, zombies or teenagers, it's science (in the form of the drug cortisone). Nicholas Ray directs with his usual tautness and finesse, but it all heats up a bit too quickly and unrealistically.

James Mason is good in the lead role and it is clear that this was a project he believed in as he is credited as Producer.

Ultimately it is let down by a phoney-feeling happy ending that is tacked on in the final seconds.

1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.

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