Review of Five Easy Pieces (1970) by Rod A — 26 Jul 2009
What initially struck me about this film is how small and quiet it is. Unlike the several ground-breaking American films that preceded this one, Five Easy Pieces deals with everyday (yet psychologically complex) relationships.
Films like Bonnie and Clyde, Easy Rider, and They Shoot Horses, Don't They were largely metaphoric where as this production gets down to the nitty-gritty of human interaction. Rohmer's My Night at Maud's seems like a first or second cousin to this one, though Rohmer discusses the human condition on a more arty plane than Rafelson.
There were many interactions in this film that made me squirm because they are all too familiar (a true sign of quality). I was also amazed at Nicholson's characterization considering he'd just come off of playing the folksy, philosophical lawyer in Easy Rider.
He inhabits both characters as if he was two completely different people. If you haven't seen this one for a while, give it another go. It ages well.
This review of Five Easy Pieces (1970) was written by Rod A on 26 Jul 2009.
Five Easy Pieces has generally received very positive reviews.
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