Five Easy Pieces - B+

On DVD (1970). R-Rated, 96 minutes.

An idyllic setting and lots of money don't always produce a happy childhood. In Five Easy Pieces, Jack Nicholson (as Robert Dupea) rejects his cultured and privileged upbringing and considerable piano talent to become an itinerant oil rig worker with low class friends and a ditzy and insecure girlfriend.

This film is a character study of a flawed man. Robert cheats on his girlfriend (with Sally Strothers) and beds his brother's love interest, seemingly just for sport. He tries to be a part of his chosen gropu, but can't resist insulting his closest buddy Elton when Elton tries to compare their lives. He returns home to find it much as he left it, except that his estranged father has been rendered mute by 2 strokes. He tries to make his peace with his father and himself, but ultimately he chooses to continue to reject structure and facing his own demons and responsibility.

Jack is great in this Oscar nominated performance. His delivery of the famous 'chicken salad' speech, as well as the conveyance of Robert's inner demons in subtle but painful ways are all trademark Jack. I thought the hitchhiker sideshow with Palm was especially funny. Her constant complaints and general attitude were genuinely funny.