Review of The King of Marvin Gardens (1972) by Michael C — 05 Dec 2011

While this film doesn't earn the classic stature of other BBS features like Easy Rider or Five Easy Pieces, it does stand 30 years later as a good film, and one that has weathered its years well. It is interesting to see Jack Nicholson be the more subdued individual in a film, and it reveals how much of an actor with a terrific range people at times forget he is.

The opening scene, shot in the shadows with a closeup on his face is very impressive filmmaking, and sets the tone of the film quite well. Bruce Dern and Ellen Burstyn get to have scenery-chewing over-the-top performances, and though they push it too far at times the overall result works.

Some of the surrealist scenes don't work as well because I didnt feel the subtext was clear enough, but this was clearly a film trying for some lofty ideas, and at the very least it should be applauded for working more often than not.