Bigger Than Life (1956)

Director: Nicholas Ray
Starring: James Mason, Barbara Rush, Walter Matthau

Synopsis:
An overworked schoolteacher becomes addicted to cortisone, throwing his personal and professional life into chaos.

Impressions:
On the surface, this seems like an unusual vehicle for James Mason. I honestly didn't find myself all that invested in the story until the psychoactive affects of the main characters addiction take hold. As Ed Avery goes off the rails, then you realize why James Mason has the role. He basically becomes the sort of villain you know and love him for and it's great. James Mason's villainy aside, it's an interesting look at addiction and mental illness for the era. Particularly if you're a fan of James Mason, it's worth seeing.

Rating:
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