Review of Five Easy Pieces (1970) by Kenneth S — 10 Aug 2009

To begin praising this film, I shall start by saying that it houses Jack Nicholson's best performance to date. He was nominated for an Oscar for this role. In this film, he maintains a low-key, subtle, realistic performance for much of the film, but he still manages to have a few over-the-top moments that add depth and realism to his character.

All the characters and situations in this film are very realistic, and I would have to say that this is one of the best films at showing that real people in the real world are really like. The simple Tammy Wynette songs chosen for the film really help progress the narrative and aren't just incidental pieces.

Anything in the film that is annoying, well, it's supposed to be. The parts that are irritating are done in such a way that you, the viewer, have the same feelings that Jack Nicholson's character has.

The film is simple, but it goes by quickly, and it's worth sitting through multiple times. Jack Nicholson plays Bobby Dupea, an ordinary guy who works at an oil rig and enjoys women and having fun.

When he finds out about his father being ill, though, he and his girlfriend travel up to visit. Simple yet poignant, FIVE EASY PIECES is a masterpiece.