Five Easy Pieces -- What Makes This Movie Great? (Episode 91)

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A classic American drifter movie starring Jack Nicholson, directed by Bob Rafaelson, "Five Easy Pieces" follows out of Nicholson's famous turn in Easy Rider. Here Nicholson plays Bob, a drifter between classes and parts of the United States
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Disclaimer: All reasonable comments are welcome, including reasoned disagreements. You will be banned for foolish talk, harassment, and hate speech on sight; it's a tremendous waste of life. I believe in freedom of association and, by extension, freedom of dissociation from you.

[@christopherfarey3291]

This movie, to me, is Jack Nicholson's greatest contribution to film - his finest performance in fact. The scene with his father breaks my heart because I can identify with it very closely. Jack is me, jack's father is my father, and the gulf between them and the need to connect.....someone followed me with a camera.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

it's a good one. another one that contends with this is The Last Detail.

[@dociebiemowie915]

@@LearningaboutMovies Both movies are classics.

[@toddcarges957]

T hgv

[@eamonndoconnor]

Me too

[@clumsydad7158]

@@LearningaboutMovies i'm partial to The Shining, but in fairness i've only seen the Last Detail once

[@dociebiemowie915]

Nicholson’s acting in this film raised the bar. An unforgettable performance in a film that has stayed with me since I saw it the first time many years ago.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

yes!

[@FrankieBur1]

The city he was living in while working as an oil "rigger" was Bakersfield, in central California (about three hours northwest of L.A., proper)...it's one of the areas that attracted the folks of Oklahoma/Texas in the "dust bowl era"

[@LearningaboutMovies]

excellent correction to the video. thank you.

[@thevfxmancolorizationvfxex4051]

Bonnie and Clyde, The Graduate, Head, Midnight Cowboy, Easy Rider, 5 Easy Pieces, The French Connection, The Last Picture Show, A Clockwork Orange, Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, The Panic In Needle Park, Shaft, Sweet Sweetback's Badass Song, The Godfather, Deliverance, The Exorcist, Mean Streets, Chinatown, The Conversation, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, The Godfather 2, Jaws, Taxi Driver, Network, The Man Who Fell to Earth, Bugsy Malone, Star Wars, Close Encounters of The Third Kind, The Deer Hunter, Superman, Apocalypse Now, The Shining, and Heaven's Gate These are among the classics made by the New Hollywood movement of directors from 1967 till 1980, a time where filmmakers were free to come up with creative, original, imaginative, and often bizarre ideas from the foundations of where some things once stood, and refreshen them for a contemporary audience. A lot of these New Hollywood films remind me of some of the Anime I've seen in recent years like Cowboy Bebop and Monogatri. They deconstruct traditional values and ideas, and come up with something unique which many will be entertained by, and if that's the case, I'm proud that this influence has carried on elsewhere

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@thevfxmancolorizationvfxex4051]

@@LearningaboutMovies for knowing about the New Hollywod Era, or just the fact I have a huge respect for it?

[@LearningaboutMovies]

Your comment.

[@thevfxmancolorizationvfxex4051]

@@LearningaboutMovies oh that. Okay.

[@ronaldmilner8932]

Great films, about the only one I can think of that you left off your list is ALIEN.

[@timjames9000]

Nicholson's masterpiece! So many memorable scenes, from the oilfield to the road to the endless "Stand By Your Man" running mascara to his nastiness towards everyone but his sister and father to the crazy chick in the back seat of his car to the outrageous diner scene to the psychedelic sex scene in the motor home to Rayette at the formal dinner to Jack and his father on the beach to his final escape to the north. It is so intelligent that, sadly, half the people couldn't get the true gist of it, else it would be rated #1.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

I believe that many people could get it, as it speaks to some part of their own lives. I mean Americans, at least.

[@ronaldmilner8932]

Just re-watched Five Easy Pieces...great film! This performance by Nicholson was perhaps his best, and all elements from the story, direction, cinematography, supporting actors, everyone was top notch! For me, the '70's was like the Golden Era of Hollywood. We will never see a decade of films like this again.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

I believe we will, unless another medium replaces movies (VR?). Think of the history of the novel. You could say that we couldn't do any better than the 1850s, but we did, plus the 20th century developed so many new genres (mystery; crime; science-fiction; fantasy) that are amazing and that writers 50 years earlier did not have access to. I think historical development, in a good way, can happen.

[@glamdolly30]

@@LearningaboutMovies Agreed, in every decade and era there is always potential for great art - the essence of which is timeless TRUTH. Which is why of course quality work like 'Five Easy Pieces' never dates.

[@williamross8366]

100% 70s is the golden era, unmatched

[@ianarn]

@@LearningaboutMovies you made some interesting points that I hadn’t really thought about and I hope you’re right! but many films today overuse computerised special effects and the film is more like a video game than a movie. It seems that’s where the creative talent has gone!

[@katwells6278]

@williamross8366 : I like the movies from the 30’s and 40’s on TMC

[@TandemKnights]

Just saw this movie and I think it's great. I've been watching the Criterion Collection "closet" series on KZbin and a number of actors and directors pointed this movie out, specifically. Love the analysis you gave on it and I couldn't agree more. Strangely enough, the main character in this movie reminds me of Luke Wilson's character, the tennis player, in The Royal Tennenbaums. This movie is sort of what could have happened to Luke's character when he disappeared for all those years. For those that haven't seen the Royal Tennenbaums, I don't want to put any spoilers in this post but he played a prodigious tennis player that resembles Bjorg and has a break-down in the middle of a game and retires. Then he kind of disappears for many years and the family sort of loses track of him. This movie kind of feels like a companion piece to that sub-plot. I get the feeling that Robert was somehow a gifted musician that had a demanding father that pushed him and all he wants is the father's love. When he doesn't get that, he quits because it wasn't really the music he loved but the approval he was seeking. Because he was hurt in this way, he is unable to show emotion or be vulnerable with anyone else. Total conjecture on my point because we sort of pickup where the main character is already a wanderer. I do love how we slowly learn more about him as the movie progresses. This is a very fine movie with great acting and it surprised me. It has made me seek out other collaborations between Nicholson and this director, next on the list is the Postman Always Rings Twice.

[@seenasoltani1808]

Five Easy Pieces is also the name of the classic beginners book of piano songs. Great review.👍

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@bigdumer8997]

My wife worked at the Denny's in Eugene, Oregon with the famous "hold the chicken" scene. People used to ask for the "Jack Nicholson table". This was back in the late 90s but the Denny's has since had a couple of remodels and looks so different now that it doesn't feel at all like the same place. This movie is high on my re-watch list because I first saw it when I was in university (over 20 years ago) and I just didn't get it. I'm a very different film viewer than I was back then. Thanks for the video - I honestly don't remember any of the scenes you showed and forgot how beautiful some of those shots are!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

my guess is, assuming you're a middle-aged male, this movie is far more for you today than it was when you were a college student. probably will make a lot more sense. thanks! plus, yes, that Dennys scene is iconic for some reason, though I think the piano-playing on the highway is better.

[@bigdumer8997]

@@LearningaboutMovies Yes, for sure. I am surprised that I don't remember the piano scene! Just seeing in the video was fantastic! In university I saw Bicycle Thieves and thought it was "OK." 15 years later, now the father of a young son, I saw it again and it wrecked me. Sometimes you aren't in the right place in life to really get the full impact of a film.

[@Mrkmotr]

@@LearningaboutMovies I can confirm this. As a 20 years old, i was puzzled, as a 40 I get more and sympathize with the main character.

[@richardsthilaire548]

I can't even begin to tell you how much I love this movie.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

excellent!

[@WhirlOmar]

I really enjoyed this movie many years ago. Going to watch it again. The ending stuck with me all these years.

[@rich_t]

This movie always hit close to home for me...

[@LearningaboutMovies]

indeed, it seems authentic.

[@markcraven3842]

Always has been my favorite Jack film. The greatest actor of my generation.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

excellent!

[@mojorider8455]

I thought a huge theme in this was about alienation, not knowing where you fit in. The Bobby character never fit in---was not part of the blue collar life really that we see him in, but he was not as comfortable with his wealthy educated upbringing either. Furthering the alienation and the inability to connect is the family home being on the island, a symbol for being remote, distant. Moreover, his attempt at connecting with his father who is debilitated with a stroke and can't speak further denies any connection Bobby tries to have with him in his attempt to reconcile....and in the end, the only solution is to escape, to get out of your surroundings, which Bobby does. I also read somehwere that screenwriter Carole Eastman also based part of the Bobby character on her brother who did sort of lead a life similar to that of Bobby's.

[@clumsydad7158]

mixed up character in unsuitable upbringing and struggling to find similarly goofed up companion ... a tall task !

[@mojorider8455]

@Clumsy Dad I loved how Susan Anspach's character just rejects him after their fling, just tears him down. And he's stuck with Rayette!

[@dhcheresh]

This is my favorite movie of all time, bar none. I could wax poetic, but suffice to say that I thought I was watching myself in many of the scenes. I’m surprised that the Professor didn’t bring in Susan Anspach’s character, for there were a number of memorable scenes that penetrated Nicholson’s armor. My one complaint with the Professor is that he used the name “Bob” throughout, when in fact it was “Bobby,” as in “Bobby Dupea.” No harm, no foul.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@beatrizvignoli4053]

Bob's father is an artist. Good info is given at the end in the credits. Read carefully the names of the characters. Bob's middle name is Eroica (one of Beethoven's symphonies). His brother is named Carl Fidelio Dupea. Bob finds it funny that he has strained his neck, as their sister tells him. To him it is a metaphor. Rather than just rich, this family is petit bourgeois, eccentric, isolated and pretentious. Bob's rage at the posh guest who dissects that painful recollection by Rayette is very relatable and justified. This is a man who is awakening and can see through the class system and he still quite doesn't know what to make of that. He is entering a dark night of the soul. The muted patriarch must have been a renegade too, by choosing to be a pianist. The film is great and it reminds me of some short stories by Chekhov. We are shown pieces of the puzzle and there is so much that remains untold, yet we have been shown enough to try and figure it out and end up feeling deeply moved and identified.

[@johnnyxmusic]

Not to mention, this sister’s name is Partita. Yes… I really appreciate your angle on this whole petit bourgeois thing… Apparently, there’s more to the story with his mother’s death, and how that affected him, and how that affected how he felt about the music and all of that.

[@hannahl8]

Great analysis! One thing about Rayette, yes she's sweet & loving but also manipulative, threatening to kill herself if Bobby leaves her or doesn't bring her to visit his family. And she purposely gets his attention when telling the kitten story to garner sympathy. But when he stands up for her it's really more about Catherine. It's a toxic relationship that he doesn't know how to get out of. I don't think it's a coincidence that Rayette is a waitress & Bobby's famous confrontation in the diner is with a waitress (maybe I'm reading too much into it, haha).

[@LearningaboutMovies]

no, that's really good. Bobby's confrontation with the waitress in the diner is really about Rayette!

[@BlackRain_]

@@LearningaboutMovies Good spot! I interepreted that the waitress scene is also about silly 'rules'. As a pianist with no longer any emotion for playing, playing music is simply following 'rules' for him. Could be why he is a drifter - running away from rules and order.

[@glamdolly30]

BINGO! Tons of transference in his rage at that waitress, as Rayette looks away, afraid to face the reality of her own relationship with Bobby.

[@elliottcrews4997]

I think Rayette is a damaged survivor. I suspect she has lived through a lot before even meeting Bobby. A difficult childhood of poverty and possible abuse. She is much more intelligent that anyone assumes her to be as she fits a stereotype and never had the opportunities people like Bobby had. She has probably worked hard all her life to keep her head above water. One of her few advantages is her beauty. She meets Bobby and sees him as someone that she can both take care of and be cared for. She wants one thing above all others, to be loved and Bobby can't do it. But she'll take the money in Bobby's wallet and that car and return to her rental and job at the grill, take a deep breath and start over. Remember she's pregnant. She'll have that baby and hopefully meet a guy that while not nearly as exciting as Bobby, will love her and her baby and Bobby will just be a bad memory. I hope she makes it.

[@carlosagarcia9385]

Nope... You're not reading too much into it... What you just described, sounds perfect to me....

[@monkmchorning]

Robert plays the piano for Catherine, his brother's wife. He will have an affair with her. Robert lives a double life, the one he chose and the one he ran away from. He can't really come to terms with either of them. His relationships with the women encapsulate his lives. His sister loves and understands him but he won't let her get close. Rayette gives him love and comfort but he's embarrassed and bored by her. And Catherine fascinates and challenges him, in more ways than one, but he's been running away from challenges all his life.

[@clumsydad7158]

He's a young man on the run ... I think it's likely someday, in some years, he will settle down

[@DovieRuthAuthor]

The beginning of this movie was filmed in the oilfields around Taft, CA. Their house and the bowling alley are also in Taft.

[@AbhishekKumar-nc4jl]

arguably the best jack nicholson movie

[@LearningaboutMovies]

I have been thinking that that topic would make for a good video.

[@johnappleby405]

Definitely his best

[@tatuco8]

I watched Five easy pieces a few years ago and loved it. Its a fantastic movie. Its as fresh today as it was 50 years ago.

[@cameronpickard7456]

1 of greatest mmovies ever,jacks best role deep performance

[@LearningaboutMovies]

yes, could be.

[@darnh6012]

Bobby is a wild man compared to the rest of his family. He seems to require a lot of excitement. Which might be his achilles heel? That need for excitement derailed his chance for a stable life like his family members. He created a life of never being content with anything, so he rails against all those that are close to him. He seems blind to the idea that having roots and responsiblities will give him at least some contentment vs practically zero contentment living the drifter lifestyle. His desire to escape his life is so strong but he really has nowhere he can escape to.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

excellent, thank you.

[@ronaldmilner8932]

Great critique Professor! I saw this years ago, and don't remember it, you've made me decide to go back and revisit 5 Easy Pieces.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you. enjoy!

[@banacek8675]

Excellent analysis. I find this movie calming and similar in many ways to my own life as I share many commonalities with Nicholson’s character Bob.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@adamrasheed257]

I dont know whether its intentional but when you view the films of this era within the context of the Vietnam war, they more often than not fits like a glove. Even the movies which do not directly talk about the war. Like in this movie, the isolation Bobby feels( although different from the isolation felt by Travis in Taxi Driver where he was a Vietnam War veteran and a loner, here Bobby is more of a sociable person but still finds emptiness and futility in all his "adventures"), the reasons for which are never made clear in the movie, could be a reflection of the state of mind of the then American youth during the time of war. The self loathing, volatile , toxic and certain anti American Dream traits of Bobby kinda reinforces this for me. I would like to know your thoughts on this. Would you mind to share them here please?

[@LearningaboutMovies]

yes, that sounds right. All major wars shape cultural productions, usually negatively in my view (bringing out grimness, collapse, chaos, listlessness). I usually bring them up in my videos, and this one deserves that treatment to some extent. For example, the iconic diner scene seems to be about in part the non-relationship between business and customer, worker and client. It undermines any notion that business or capital pursuits might help Bobby or fulfill him. The lone drifter theme continues throughout the movie. The ending could segue right into "First Blood," where the drifter vet tries to meander through a Pacific NW town (I think) on his own! One does wonder how Bobby got out of Vietnam -- too old?

[@adamrasheed257]

@@LearningaboutMovies Well I think he got out of Nam cause he was rich maybe? Well it was mostly the people from the working class that always had to go to war. Was it the same in America too? For me the the diner scene was the scene where we come to see some of Bobby's anti consumerist stand where he demands what he wants but the business is only willing to give what they want and thereby offering the customer no choice. Another thing i noticed is the costume of Bobby. Several instances he is seen to wear the red and blue clothes(which are the colors if the American flag). For example, the scene where Elton gets caught, there is a shot of Bobby standing infront of some machinery with the sun glowing and Bobby contemplating standing on the sand. The color of Bobby's clothes as well as that of the machinery are red and blue. Is it showing the futility of the American Dream.? Or is it because Bobby can never run away from his American identity and his upper class conservative values no matter wherever he goes ?..So is it kind if like a cross that Bobby is supposed to bear eventhough he doesnt want to?

[@clumsydad7158]

the "filth" that Helena Kallianiotes talks about ad naseum as Palm Apodaca, classic !

[@charlesheck6812]

I saw this at age 13 in 1973 and loved it. It has always been one of my top five 70’s films. Movies were becoming more iconoclastic, depicting disillusioned, angry young men-youths who were cynical and rebellious against “the system“. The film depicted my attitudes towards class structure and society at the time… I was in high school and I felt the same way Bobby did towards pretentious teachers and their student “pets.”. Every time I revisit the film I get something different out of it. It is a classic and I’ve always considered it Nicholson‘s breakthrough and greatest performance.

[@FallouFitness_NattyEdition]

I was compelled to watch this movie after seeing clips of it on a lofi video. I'm glad that I did because it's a masterpiece. Sad though that it's so criminally underrated. I've never heard people talk about it, even my friends who are film geeks never talked about it before.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

surprised they don't know because the diner scene is famous. thank you.

[@paulofranqueira2372]

my story too haha

[@cyb3rrain]

Which Lofi video is it?

[@randywhite3947]

This film was never underrated as it was nominated for best picture and is considered to be one of the best ever made

[@FallouFitness_NattyEdition]

@@cyb3rrain Jansing Feelings

[@andygalligan4184]

Just found your channel, love all the thoughtful content. You should have way more subscribers! Great point about scenes in this movie preparing you for the ending. Sometimes you just want toast but life only deals in whole sandwiches

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you, Andy. I'm happy with whatever I get; the high quality of existing commenters is really delightful already.

[@scottjackson163]

Great explanation of this movie. One of my favorites. I never get tired of it.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you

[@timd7782]

Excellent analysis of this screen gem. I find it one of the bleakest, yet highly entertaining movies I've seen. That's a tall order as you point out. Above all it keeps the viewer completely off-balance. You are thinking and guessing about what will happen next.

[@joelcov]

Good analysis, but one thing. The oil fields are in California Central Valley, not in Oklahoma or Texas. Lots of “Okies” in the Bakersfield area, hence the people’s accents. The highway signs indicate California Hwy 99.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

ah, thank you. appreciate that correction.

[@carlosagarcia9385]

Thank you mate... I loved this movie... You made me love it more.... That was a magnificent analysis... Thank you so much...

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you, Carlos. Glad to help you out.

[@HeberCornejo]

Good stuff! Thanks!

[@julievalet2806]

It’s a wonderful movie. The shots were great. Thank you!!

[@lilchaos4792]

Excellent film... I can tell Nicholson blew up after this film. So many of the nuances and classic Nicholson mannerisms were fleshed out in this performance. Reminded me of Goddard, Bergman or Italian Neorealism picture albeit set in America. 8/10. The 70s were an incredible time in Cinema.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you. I agree.

[@clumsydad7158]

yes, the realism of the 'every man'... or every screw-up ! ... the misfits we all are in some shape or form

[@cinemaunitestheworld]

Outstanding analysis! I just watched this great film for the first time last night. Blew me out of the water. Who are we, really?

[@LearningaboutMovies]

absolutely. it will endure, as long as people see themsleves in the major characters.

[@cinemaunitestheworld]

@@LearningaboutMovies The insecurity of, "not being good enough," to the one person you need validation from the most is, thankfully, one I never had to experience as a child. This wonderful film reinforced my dream of my children knowing in their souls that they are my #1 now and forever, a dream that I must earn the right to strive for every day. It was truly devastating to see the nightmare continue to burn by the time the truck pulls out of the gas station. A truly brilliant piece of cinema that I will never forget and return to, often. And lookie here; Criterion has a feature-packed blu-ray!

[@cinemaunitestheworld]

had to add a little hope at the end of my yappin' there :_)

[@andrewmilesbroughton8222]

Excellent analysis! Great work

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you very much.

[@twsstar]

I didn't understand why this movie was really great until I watched it a couple times I absolutely loved the ending , how he just drives away

[@kevzsabz8253]

An important touchstone of the New Hollywood era, this film is a haunting portrait of alienation that features one of Jack Nicholson's greatest performance. I give this film a 9.2/10. Overall its one of the greatest films of the 1970s for sure. Thanks Dr. Josh for your review on this film. This film is one of my father's favourite. 😊😊👍👍

[@LearningaboutMovies]

that makes it special then. thank you!

[@kevzsabz8253]

@@LearningaboutMovies Yes and you're welcome Dr. Josh. 😊😊👍👍

[@johnnyxmusic]

Apparently there’s something in the screenplay about his connection to his mother and how much she enjoyed playing with her and then she dies and he refuses to go to the funeral and that’s the first time he kind of splits you know not just the three years prior… So it seems that he lost some thing when he lost his mother. No, he comes back to sort of close the loop with his father.

[@elliottcrews4997]

I just re-watched this movie. One thing that struck me but there wasn't enough fleshing out to draw any conclusions, was Bobby's brother. Despite his many faults Bobby is the character we as viewers embrace, the one we want to be like, a non-conformist, going his own way, pointing out hypocrisy etc. etc. On the other hand there is his brother. On the surface he is a buffoon, neck brace from a bike accident, conforming to expectations, a stuffy part of the upper crust. Bobby and his sister even make him the target of their humor several times. Remember the ping pong scene, Bobby beats him without even trying, they make fun of his walk and he seems oblivious to it all. But yet, look at him from a different light in comparison to Bobby. Bobby is running away from his musical gift, family, and all responsibility. His brother is a successful violinist, works hard at his craft and as a teacher to others. His brother stays in Washington caring for his dying father and possibly(?) supporting an emotionally fragile sister. Bobby ruins all his relationships and his brother seems to have have stable ones. Bobby seduces his brothers' girlfriend like a typical bad boy, what a betrayal and we have to assume his brother has figured this out, Look who stays and look who goes. Two examples to show the brother to be much more than first appearance. Remember how happy he was when his playing soothed and put his father to sleep? And in the excellent living room scene when Karen Black is ridiculed. Notice the brother and Rayette's non-verbal interaction. I read it has seeing Rayette as an equal, as someone he respects and was interesting in as a person. While Bobby never seems to appreciate or respect her. Just some thoughts I had after a recent viewing.

[@greghh2223]

Yours is a very original opinion. I'm surprised the people on this site don't appreciate it. You explain, without even making it your theme, why "Five Easy Pieces" is an extraordinary film. It's complex. We can turn our biases in favor of the sexy guy and protagonist (a very strong bias) on their heads and see a very coherent movie. Many thanks.

[@elliottcrews4997]

@@greghh2223 Thanks for your very kind words.

[@greghh2223]

You’re entirely welcome. That really was a fine analysis.

[@greghh2223]

You’re entirely welcome. That really was a fine analysis.

[@greghh2223]

You’re entirely welcome. That really was a fine analysis.

[@virtualtours1074]

Excellent job.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@foryou-ft8vf]

Bob leaves home and is reminded why when he goes back. But going back also reminds him of who he is, like it or not.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@martinpalmer4560]

Truly great film. So beautiful, and yet achingly sad.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

yes, thank you.

[@FoolishPrankster]

Great movie, story, acting, directing... etc etc 👌

[@petesquire2954]

The best. "Dont call me a Fan Honey" a great dialogue.

[@tylerrobinson4570]

Great review!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@tammyphxaz]

love it so much i have 2 copys (dvd) of it

[@markkennedy9767]

One of my favourite films. I hope Bobby Dupea found what he's about.

[@rodconaway]

one of my favorite films

[@ManInTheBigHat]

my fav.

[@groundzero6662]

I am discovering in this moment how when we do things like relate in an EXCLUSIVE way it forms an opposition. Any opposition forms an opposite and that forms a belief of SEPARATION. So many people have separation anxiety within relation-SHIP because of a simple needy desire to be "the only one".... Adjust relating as assimilation not rejection of all else for one person is the new insight for me NOW. -Stand By Your Man!!!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thanks.

[@chrisdrummond8893]

What makes this movie great is the " in the car temper tantrum scene" . I wish I had a dollar every time I did that.

[@andrewcarr2492]

This was a perfect take on this movie, uncomfortably relatable. Can you please cover Mike Leighs "Naked(1993)"? It has a very similar message but pulls it off better imo. Also "made in britain" by Alan Clarke.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

Thank you. Yes to Naked at some point.

[@johnappleby405]

My favourite film along with The Conformist. Good review quite insightful

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@johnappleby405]

@@LearningaboutMovies Auspicious beginnings know what I mean? Brilliant scene

[@clumsydad7158]

i still need to see The Conformist, right

[@derekroberts6654]

i was reading about the year 1970 in review and how it really was the end of the 60s how everything seemed to change all the “counter culture” stuff just died out. it said the 2 movies that came out in 1970 that perfectly illustrated that was “Love Story” and “5 Easy Pieces” put that together with John Lennon’s song “God” and of course the deaths of Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin just 3 weeks apart and the Beatles “divorce” that pretty much sums up 1970.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

"fear and loathing in las vegas", the book, is the perfect cap to all of that as well.

[@musicola7371]

At about the age of 21 I saw this movie during its initial release. Watching it again 50 years on, from a different perspective I feel that the movie is ultimately a tragedy. The two scenes that are at the core of this are his monologue with his father and the final scene, leaving everything behind to catch a ride on a logging truck to who knows where. There is no escape from himself for Bobby.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@clumsydad7158]

there's always hope ... but yes, life endings can be sad many times ... when has to remember the good times, or if they were few, the good moments or elements of character one can draw strengths/positives/lessons from

[@musicola7371]

@@clumsydad7158 such a fine statement, as obtuse and unrealistic as it is.

[@tomislavcehajic9642]

This is movie is Americans movie but it is more like Europian movie, this is masterpice

[@LearningaboutMovies]

yes, I agree.

[@Larkinchance]

Film is literature. Cinematography, editing and acting is the poetry...

[@lindacorwin9066]

I think Jack Nicholson's best movie was Chinatown, but just look at the roster of Jack Nicholson films listed in this thread. That's quite a testament to one actor.

[@StereoChimps]

i love movies like this where drifters wonder around going to places and places looking for themselves, if any knows a film similar to this one, please comment below

[@clumsydad7158]

that would be a good list ... i'm drawing a blank at the moment ,,, i'm just reminded of the old 70s tv show Hulk with Bill Bixby walking from town to town each episode, on the run

[@charlesheck6812]

Midnight Cowboy

[@neapealingonsmet]

The Passenger by Antonioni

[@apocalypsetedium]

One of my favorite films. Agree with your class analysis of the work. I felt the character is a product of a consumerist society that has no sense of itself. He's adrift, looking for fulfillment. But, like many in our society, looking for it in the wrong places.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@robinanand4436]

where would one look ?

[@apocalypsetedium]

@@robinanand4436 Many find fulfillment helping others.

[@robinanand4436]

@@apocalypsetedium thanks for this comment. I am always coming back to it for reminders :)

[@clumsydad7158]

yes, but he's out of sorts himself, he's still a bit of a mixed up emotional wreck. as Catherine tells him, he's not relationship material... maybe some day he'll lay his burdens down, etc.

[@johnnytoobad7785]

For me it's the film when Jack Nicholson BECAME Jack Nicholson. Also produced by the same folks who produced Easy Rider. And starring many members the New Hollywood "hippie brat pack" And the Restaurant scene is priceless !😆

[@sallyduros]

Im surprised you did not mention cinematographer László Kovács in this review.

[@jon780249]

The answer to the question is Nicholson.a great performance.

[@lepetitchat123]

Any loser/drifter/outsider/outcast would relate to Jack's character. Personally I adore this film. I struggle to find another film like that.

[@johnnyxmusic]

Well, it’s not so much to me that he’s an outcast… But that he is in South exile. And that he has yet to find his own authentic path. Or an auspicious beginning as he says.

[@wacobob56dad]

“I want you to hold it between your knee’s.”

[@barflytom3273]

the title five easy pieces refers to 5 films Rafaelson made with Nicholson. I'm sure of it.

[@brutusalwaysminded]

Good concise review. Food for thought. About to watch it again but, at your prompt about the 5 pieces and the American Male Drifter trope, I'll be looking for the piece which represents 'The Mother'. At least he eventually comes to deal with his pop but where is the mother piece in his life puzzle? is the Karen Black character a surrogate? I think the experience of being "mothered" an essential part of a man's emotional development - or lack thereof (as the father is for a woman). Interesting to ponder. Thanks!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you. you've got me stumped: does anyone in the movie talk about Mom? I can't recall, yet that surely is an important though hidden factor. Excellent!

[@brutusalwaysminded]

@@LearningaboutMovies Think it's the missing fifth piece. (Count 'em. Only four piano pieces are actually played.) Who knows? Again, fun to ponder. :)

[@clumsydad7158]

I never thought of that either, but yes, there is no Mom in the movie, except for Elton's wife/girlfriend ... I mean really the father and mother are both absent for Bobby, but supposedly the focus is on the broken father-son relation

[@Pa1magram]

Ive been on a JN kick all week. I just watched this movie and ‘Easy Rider’. Both amazing movies! Can you suggest to me the best JN films I need to see asap? Thanks!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

One flew over the cuckoo nest, and The Last detail.

[@Pa1magram]

@@LearningaboutMovies saw Cuckoo’s Nest so so many times! I haven’t seen The last Detail. I’ll check it out !

[@theDiReW0lf]

This movie is literally me

[@LesHoa-DuMal]

Love Karen Black in this. Jack too i guess 😛 Karen singing in the car ❤❤❤

[@giorgossotiropoulos4130]

is there a similarity to "Inside Llewyn Davis" as far as the character study of a drifter. I also think that this pic succedes in this task.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

There has to be, although perhaps just a faint resemblance. Llewyn Davis is family-less, of course, except for his father.

[@clumsydad7158]

that may be a stretch, but a list of top 10 drifter/wanderer movies would be great,,, someone mentioned First Blood too

[@andyjay5903]

Thank you for the short quick analysis! I was too young to watch the movie and I just watched it now 50 years later because my son is taking a film class. I would agree that it’s a character study of the Jack character. But there is ZERO depth to the other characters. zero. Karen black is just a dumb. Linde right off the carol Burnett show, his sister is ditzy, his old love interest is a stereotypical NPR type and I kept thinking that was Andy Kaufman playing Carl. It was all about the jack character and everybody else was just one dimensional characters there to show point about jack.

[@greghuffman3061]

i saw this like 2 years ago

[@ozricness]

Anything about the women they take in the car? What do they add to the film?

[@oilmustflow]

The ending is too real

[@dp2120]

I didn’t enjoy this movie, but it’s interesting to hear the perspective of someone who did and why.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thanks, I don't think I liked it that much, or as much as others, upon first viewing.

[@cecilharkins8426]

I revisited the film recently to see if it was as irritating and patronizing as I had remembered and so it remained. However, the passage of the years have made it into a first rate period piece, I'm old enuff to remember the look and feel of that America, a real nostalgia trip.

[@harrygreb75]

I don't know if the oil town was set in Texas but if was definitely shot in Taft, CA

[@LearningaboutMovies]

yes, the location within the movie may be CA. Looks like TX to me but commenters here have said otherwise.

[@harrygreb75]

@@LearningaboutMovies the good old America, when the cars were Ameirican!

[@harrygreb75]

@@LearningaboutMovies there’s some great research about locations here www.themoviedistrict.com/five-easy-pieces-1970/2/. Looks like it was shot in Taft and Bakersfield and set there too

[@naysayer1238]

@@LearningaboutMovies Definitely California.

[@seantindall8912]

It was shot in Bakersfield, a town roughly ninety miles north of Los Angeles

[@Rahoorkhuitable]

He´s always the son of his father....and you can´t escape from that.There was competition within the family and he didn´t want to play that game.

[@eamonndoconnor]

This film is a humane masterpiece.

[@XE1GXG]

The screenplay is by..?

[@LearningaboutMovies]

easy to look up. Carole Eastman. remarkable that she didn't have a more robust film-industry career.

[@robertjsmith]

Try watching THE CARETAKER by Harold Pinter

[@spinningwheelsroadtravels5122]

Have'nt seen this movie in decades. Loved Rayette, sitting on the bathroom sink in her underwear, putting her best face forward, but then, later, sticking her neck out too far. Put your best face forward, but don't stick your neck out too far. A humorous line to me. But ,really, this movie is about Dupea's bad treatment of Rayette from start to finish. I love all the comedic scenes and the wonderfull locations- the culture-clash, but in the end, it's a feminist movie, showing how badly men treat women. This was just after woodstock and the summer of love, but turned into the hate-men movement, for the next decade, and still with us today.

[@johnmiller5679]

He was born into an artistic family but he does not want that for himself. He goes back home and this woman who is studying with his family and she is pretentious and talks about emotions but he has none. That is him putting down that life they he left behind.

[@spinningwheelsroadtravels5122]

He did'nt want to live his life as a classical-trained monkey. That Tammy Wynette song is more original than any other music in the movie. There's no room for originality in the classical world. He played it better at 7. Play the notes as written, perhaps, with feeling.

[@kai.m]

The oil field is in California

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thanks

[@clumsydad7158]

i was confused too, but one sign said Wasco, which is CA

[@seantindall8912]

That Wasco sign you're referring to, that fwy runs through Bakersfield, CA

[@katwells6278]

Five easy pieces refers to a piano book for kids

[@tomislavcehajic9642]

Bob girlfriend is by far best character in this movie and i love this movie but i dont will watch this movie ever again, because end, end is great but maybe is best for her to be with someone else but she love him and she is not stupid at all

[@LearningaboutMovies]

heh, that is reasonable.

[@timjames9000]

She just needed a nice guy as dumb as she was, and Bobby was the LAST guy on the planet for her.

[@AnonymousAccount514]

Just like: My Own Private Idaho

[@RAJohns]

He be left his wallet at the gas station was a mistake or intentional?

[@anthonykenny1320]

I just watched your critique and Think you missed a very important point which is Bobs search for authenticity, which makes it an expose of a central existentialist theme, he is searching for the unadorned truth of artistic expression devoid of embellishment and pretension, which is what he hopes to find in the oil fields and with Ray, but once contaminated by the refined sensibility of chopin he can never be satisfied with the crude and vulgar and he therefore falls between the cracks of his inner conflict, this movie is more about the artists search for authenticity of expression rather than a search for identity

[@LearningaboutMovies]

could be!

[@anthonykenny1320]

@@LearningaboutMovies yes it could be but the pivotal scene is where he says he felt nothing but was able to fake it it is the old question about cover musicians vis they who never play their own compositions how authentic are their performances even though they might bring an audience to tears they are still using the blood sweat and tears of the actual composer AS IF it is their own

[@foryou-ft8vf]

Authenticity is the key word. He looks for and finds it in others. But being repulsed by his own lack of the authentic, he keeps running away.

[@monkmchorning]

If he's on a quest for authenticity, he's using it as an excuse for his lack of commitment to his own life or the people in it.

[@BlackRain_]

@@anthonykenny1320 I've always noticed something robotic about musicians who play the same songs time after time after time, like robots. Wake. Travel. Soundcheck. Gig. Wake. Travel. Soundcheck. Gig. I do wonder about their 'authenticity' sometimes.

[@matthewjeffery3107]

It's just self hatred

[@Johnconno]

If this had been a British film, Bob would have no attractive facets to his character, he'd just be a rich kid/pain in the arse. They didn't film it in Britain.

[@johnnybmean74]

Technically the movie was made in 1969. Which means Jack is 32.

[@kenaldri4923]

So why doesn't he use his piano skills? Think about it. I studied classical piano like him and there was clearly no future in it unless you were exceptionally talented, the creme of the crop. Even then, you may likely still go through life not being anyone people have ever heard of. There were some classically trained pianists who ended up in rock and jazz, like Jan Hammer or Tori Amos. Otherwise, you teach, or play minor gigs. Or, you shuck it all like Jack did.

[@Francey4782]

He's lost and l think lots of people can relate. He's also too smart for his own good but rails against academia and pretentious intellectual types. He's lost, l know the type too well. On the physical, geographical side of things, he can't settle. So what? Right on brother!

[@clumsydad7158]

times haven't changed much, it would seem

[@ChristianGustafson]

Karen Black time-travel worthy.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

RIP, she was great in this.

[@timjames9000]

In '76 or so I signed in at a top Beverly Hills eye doctor's office for an appointment, and the name above mine was Karen Black. I always loved her and especially in this movie, which was six years earlier. I was tempted to peek into every room to find her, but common sense prevailed, sadly.

[@ChristianGustafson]

@@timjames9000 She’s so dreamy.

[@linkbiff1054]

Great film…except the ending.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

it's hard to accept and yet I think it does make sense for the character, though I do not agree with it morally.

[@linkbiff1054]

@@LearningaboutMovies I figured that Bobby spent enough time with his family that he would have changed. But his character being in arrested development in terms of growth and chemistry was not a good move.

[@timjames9000]

Let's face it ... Bobby needed a permanent break from Rayette, or he may have offed himself. A fresh start made perfect sense ... besides, the movie had to end sometime.