in 1956, one year after he directed 'rebel without a cause', nicholas ray must have been on top of the world. maybe the intensity of the impact of that film led to his choice of making 'bigger than life.' exit teenagers are their problems, enter adults and theirs. interestingly, between these two films, the drug issue fell to the parents.
in 'bigger than life' james mason (humbert forever but also much more) has a field day wreaking havoc on his poor family as he suffers the side effects of the miracle drug cortisone. naturally his wife, played by barbara rush, agrees to try whatever might keep her husband alive but as he regains strength he turns into a megalomaniac right before her eyes. she does her best to deal till one day she sees him climb the stairs to their son richie's room with a knife in his hand.
cautionary tale? oh yes. a terrifying and terrific film. you can see it for free this month on hulu.com
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