The Big Cube

The Big Cube is a captivating 1968 film with an intriguing mix of suspense, drama, and psychological complexities, directed by Tito Davison. The star-studded ensemble features major Hollywood actors such as Lana Turner, George Chakiris, and Richard Egan, whose performances imbue every corner of the film with the raw reality of the characters' convoluted lives and circumstances.

At the center of The Big Cube's bold narrative is Adriana Roman, played by the legendary Lana Turner. Adriana is a famous stage actress who retires early from her successful career to marry a wealthy businessman, Charles Winthrop, portrayed by Dan O'Herlihy. Leaving behind the glittering allure of the stage, Adriana plans to dedicate her life to her newfound love. Yet, in the radiant sea of marital bliss, waves of upcoming turmoil are looming on the horizon, bringing along significant challenges and life-altering predicaments.

Among others who play crucial roles in the storyline is the handsome and cunning Johnny Allen, played by George Chakiris. Johnny is a freelance industrial chemist and a crucial player in the drama that unfolds.

Also thrown into this tricky mix of characters is Lisa, the wealthy Charles Winthrop's young and impressionable daughter, played by Karin Mossberg. Unbeknownst to Adriana, Lisa becomes involved with Johnny and the pair get swept up in the burgeoning counterculture movement of the '60s, characterized by free love and experimental drug use.

The surging tension is further complicated as differences escalate between Adriana and Lisa regarding their lifestyles and ideas. This mother-daughter-esq conflict quickly gives rise to a series of events that become central to the film's psychological drama element.

The plot of The Big Cube thickens as Johnny, aided by Lisa, hatches an insidious plot involving LSD, aimed at Adriana. The plan exploit's Adriana's vulnerabilities, in an attempt to secure her fortune for themselves, as they believe Adriana stands in the way of Lisa's inheritance.

A bulk of the movie's intrigue and engagement lies in its exploration of drug-induced psychosis, which was a relatively fresh and controversial topic back in the late '60s. The Big Cube serves as a reflection of the societal fascination with and fear of drugs and their powerful effects during that era.

Richard Egan also deserves mention for his role as Frederick Lansford, Adriana's former lover and a playwright. He plays an essential part in the plot dynamics, offering an important counterbalance to the other more morally ambiguous characters.

The Big Cube includes numerous twists and turns that keep audiences enthralled throughout its course. With fantastic performances, it offers a striking examination of a range of thematic ideas including human psychology, societal norms, ambition, deception, and exploitation.

The movie’s underlying exploration of the effects of substance misuse against the backdrop of the late '60s counterculture movement, and it's impacts on interpersonal dynamics, makes The Big Cube a fascinating watch. It is as much a psychological thriller and family drama as it is a reflection of its times.

While in today's age, the depiction of drug use and induced conditions might appear over-simplified or misinformed, the movie offers a window into societal perception and taboo around the matter in the late 1960s. This feature could be of interest for audiences interested in the history of social issues and their representation in films.

Furthermore, the movie’s opulent set designs and eye-catching costumes perfectly reflect the flamboyant luxury of the wealthy lifestyle, contrasting with the psychedelia of the counterculture. Paired with classic Hollywood touches and the dramatic suspense, The Big Cube is as entertaining as it is visually appealing.

This somewhat unusual entry in the filmography of Lana Turner has her putting on a strong performance, making The Big Cube a must-watch for endearers of classic Hollywood cinema.

In all, The Big Cube is an engaging suspense-drama packed with an array of themes from societal shifts and family dynamics to psychological manipulation and substance abuse. While firmly rooted in its times, the movie's combination of suspense and character-driven drama ensures its appeal to contemporary viewers.