Bigger Than Life
Seen it?1956 | 95 min | Drama
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (90% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 35 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1956: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
A friendly, successful suburban teacher and father grows dangerously addicted to cortisone, resulting in his transformation into a household despot.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
90% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.2 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 32K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Boyhood
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
The Fabelmans Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
The Gift
Saturday SpecialAnother drama.
Kramer vs. Kramer Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Nicholas Ray
- James MasonEd Avery
- Barbara RushLou Avery
- Walter MatthauWally Gibbs
- Robert F. SimonDr. Norton
- Christopher OlsenRichie Avery
- Roland WintersDr. Ruric
- Rusty LaneBob LaPorte
- Rachel StephensNurse
- Kipp HamiltonPat Wade
- Betty CaulfieldMrs. LaPorte (uncredited)