The Chauvel Cinema once again brings back some classic pieces of cinema for us to enjoy. This time it is Jack Nicholson's first leading performance.
One thing that this film proves is that they don't make them like they used to. Well the major film studios anyway. This is a very independent style film that was made by a major film studio. I could not imagine them making a film like this today. Certainly not as it was made in 1970. I can imagine all the great character studies that make the film so good would be taken out. Robert Dupea is an excellent character and we get to explore his world in this this film. He has turned his back on the life his family mapped out for him and turned to a more lower class existence.He is a bit of a slob and does not treat women very well. That's one other thing that is 'of the time', is Robert's treatment of women especially his girlfriend Rayette. The way he treats her would not be tolerated in today's culture. Especially what he does to her at the end of the film. But as much as you want to hate him you can see that he can be a good man. His family is a bit on the weird side and you understand why he left his family. That is something you really appreciate about him.
As we can see right from the start, Jack Nicholson is a brilliant actor. He really becomes the character of Robert. I'm not sure of it was written with Jack in mind but he certainly makes this character his own. This is true in a classic diner scene. Karen Black plays his ditsy girlfriend Rayette reall well. You feel a great deal of sympathy for her character and the way Robert treats her. It was also great to see Lois Smith in an early role as well. She is popping up so often these days that it is good to see her early work and see she is just as good back then.
One of those classics that real film fans should seek out to view. See why Jack Nicholson is the legend that he has become.
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