Kelly Louise (kellylouise2)

Three and a half hours of James Dean as the broody, rebellion "stable boy" who he plays so well, what a treat (although his appearances are scarce throughout, but I take what I can get). Taylor is awesome as well as the tough lady who holds her own between Texan chauvinists. Get those two together, and the tension is undeniable. Dean is the ingredient which makes this film, that could have been a less mainstream version of Gone With the Wind, extraordinary.

This film portrays a never-before-seen side of a mental institution. It makes you feel sympathetic with this group of sensitive human beings who are imprisoned for the mere reason of not fitting into society. I have always been interested in psychology, having considered pursuing a career in it, but also feeling a strong identification with the so-called mental patients at the same time. Whoever is completely sane, after all? Quite an extraordinary and epic film, with stellar performances by the leading actors, with of course Nicholson standing out.