BIGGER THAN LIFE (1956)
Melodrama horror about a straight-laced father (James Mason) who is driven insane from medication he’s taking. He becomes a horrifying abusive husband and father and his wife and child must figure out how to escape him.
This movie is so intense, especially as a time capsule, showing us a time when psychologists had no understanding of mental illness. The movie has a “why is Daddy behaving this way?” child-like quality that renders it absolutely horrifying, makes me imagine what it must be like for children with mentally ill parents. Also, it’s horrifying to see the plight of a wife in this cultural situation, with no choice but supporting her husband, even when he’s gone obviously insane. This is a dark, dark movie. On the lighter side, however, the fashion is incredibly hip. James Mason is so hot and charming. He’s much more charming, in fact, as an insane person. I dare you to watch this movie and not come out doing James Mason impressions.
