Five Easy Pieces (1970)

Jack Nicholson is Bobby Dupea, a charismatic drifter working on the oil fields of Southern California and living with his waitress girlfriend Rayette. Bobby roams through life in pursuit of a good time while slugging back the booze. Nothing seems to give him satisfaction, including his relationship. When Bobby quits his job in frustration he takes off north and learns through his sister that their dad is dying. Back at his old family home he can't help but buck against the environment that he turned his back on years earlier.

Bobby entertains the morning commuters 

Jack Nicholson starred in this after appearing in the counter culture epic 'Easy Rider' (1969). It was written by Carol Eastman and director Bob Rafelson who also had a hand in writing, producing and directing everybody's fave faux band 'The Monkees'. Being buddies, Nicholson and Rafelson put Five Easy Pieces together as an opportunity to capitalise on the success of Nicholson's completely awesome appearance in Easy Rider. His portrayal as the wandering narcissist is brilliant and surely must rank as one of his best performances. All the cast is excellent, Karen Black as the pitiful wannabe country singer was also Oscar nominated. Our introduction to Bobby leads to assumptions about his character but as the movie continues details are revealed and events move into interesting territory. I imagine a lot of people will be able to empathise with Bobby's lack of direction in life. Hand up over here.
This is an American film gem, why do they make so much shit when they obviously figured it out in 1970? If you can see the newly remastered version making the rounds in some smaller quality cinemas I insist you see it. I insist damn it. No cars blowing up here, just some fantastic internal/external combustions.
4.5/5