JACK NICHOLSON-FIVE EASY PIECES-One of best ending ever

[@crokkadoodledoo9956]

Every era has a certain feel but the 70s were really the beginnings of modern times. I love going back watching movies from this era cuz they seem so real on all fronts. + takes me back when film reflected society without the bizarre trappings of today ie cell phones / internet. People lived life openly.

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

Wish they still made films like this...you know, for grown ups

[@ccfliege]

True Today people think "for grown ups" means having violent, lewd, vulgar content.

[@7xXSE7ENXx7]

Don't worry I'm sure another avengers movie will be out soon.........

[@johnd2330]

They do.

[@Ferda1964]

:)

[@Gildedowlmedia338]

The Holdovers

[@lynnturman8157]

That's the point. Cause where Jack's going, it's gonna get colder'n hell. He's now going to have to suffer the consequences of pushing everybody away. It's not a happy ending.

[@neomilw4703]

I feel sad for the sister. She seemed to love him unconditionally. Given how she talks, the girlfriend is emotionally manipulative in her own way. But the sister loves him without question. But it’s never enough to keep him around The mothers death truly broke him long, long ago

[@borislonic4476]

At the time of this film's release in September 1970, it represented the surreal transition between the end of the 60s & the beginning of the 70s, from love and peace to gritty and dark nihilism concerning the world. The ending is unique in itself: no music, no long list of credits; only the names of the cast members and the sound of the truck driving away. No happy ending in this movie.

[@RandallRaeder]

This sequence is shattering. A lost soul, preparing to abandon life.

[@ZSYStriker]

He gives her the wallet, leaves the jacket in the bathroom and then abandons the car... He expects nothing more, doesn't care... But the truck he hitchhikes goes back to where he drove from... You figure it out.

[@RandallRaeder]

@@ZSYStriker No. You figure it out.

[@ZSYStriker]

@@RandallRaeder It's OK to admit your shortcomings. Like the AA, the first step is to admit. Good luck.

[@leamanc]

Trivia fact: The original script had Bobby and Rayette getting in a car wreck while arguing. They end up driving off a cliff. As they were filming the movie, and got around to this scene, they realized that would have been a crap ending. They came up with this MUCH IMPROVED ending. But notice that Bobby still references a "car wreck" when he gets in the truck.

[@AbrasiousProductions]

that does sound like a crap ending, glad they went this one instead

[@ChrisMagoo99]

the credits rolling makes the ending more powerful. no music, just the sounds of the gas station and the cars rolling by

[@MuizeekPhanahtic]

This is one of my most favorite Jack Nicholson movies of all time. I think the characterization he displayed is very potent and timeless. He can be looked at on a multitude of levels. I also felt the overall script allowed for much growth in the storyline; it took on a world of its own by the time the end came. And this particular end is jarring. It stays with you, makes you feel like you are right out there in the cold temperatures as well.

[@dot1spot]

I know this spot. It’s Vancouver Island, Canada. I’m from this island but not this exact area of it (large Island). It’s great to see what it looked like back then, so pristine and beautiful. It’s still a beautiful place but it’s become so developed. It’s lost its small town charm.

[@PolkRidgeAesthete]

I had been haunted in wondering exactly where this was. I know the island a bit, and would love to know the location. Is it north of Nanaimo?

[@HockeyDudeJames]

The greatest ending of all time. If only more people were willing to take that leap of faith.

[@Andy1Emcee]

Definitely a good ending and very appropriate for the movie. It's stark, harsh, and bold. The sounds are brilliant and much more chilling than any dialogue. This ending bothers me in that I want to yell "Go back and get your freaking coat, you moron! If you're going to leave then leave but at least get your damn coat!" Anyway, this was 1970 and Jack Nicholson's first starring role, and it was a great one at that.

[@dennismccafferty3133]

Excellent interpretation. It's all about the sounds.

[@comanchedase]

That was a fancy boy jacket, he didn't want that anymore, he was again leaving his rich life behind

[@marktrbovic9210]

A study in nihilism and existentialism

[@JasonC1981]

Man what a great movie this is. I sure do wish they made movies like this nowadaze. Karen and Jack are sooo young here its crazy. But yeah what an ending to a great movie. One of my favorites.

[@olseg9710]

This is a classic, and the perfect ending, especially when he looks at himself in the rest room mirror. It is wrong to call him selfish, though.

[@tubbytalisman]

Yeah, "selfish" would be a colossal understatement! Toxic narcissist bordering on sociopath is more like it! What a despicable heartless prick! He makes Jake Lamotta look like a human being!

[@suttree3233]

@@tubbytalisman no narcissist would leave his wallet with rayette and his jacket in the bathroom. He's a broken human being.

[@griggsz9649]

Him leaving his jacket and wallet behind was a way of showing how little he cares about himself and lacks self love and preservation it is in a sense him trying to run away from himself leaving his identity and belongings and woman behind he abandoned everything because he’s worried he will mess it up cause of his nihilistic views on life…auspicious beginnings

[@thedangerwich5476]

He is selfish.

[@yeshuaservant7]

@@griggsz9649 True. Jack leaving his jacket behind was also a subconscious way for him to punish himself--for abandoning Rayette and his unborn child.

[@whodidit99]

First anti-hero protagonist in US cinema history. Character absolutely no development from beginning to end of film: He was the same Ahole at end as he was at the beginning. Very brutal film.

[@johnnash297]

Best decision a man could make.

[@madstylesnz]

Thanks for uploading this scene, the most memorable part of this great movie, if anyone else wants to see Jack Nicholson at his best I recommend Chinatown.

[@TheProfessorpat]

This is my favorite of all Jack's films. The ending is depressing but I'd like to think that on some level it represents a new beginning ...maybe a better life...he's hitching a ride to the cold, pristine North where maybe he can get rid of all the "crap" holding him down in the lower 48.

[@charlessanders7972]

He left his coat, and his wallet. He's dead. His ride is to hell.

[@TheProfessorpat]

@@charlessanders7972 He left his wallet behind for Rayette, remember? He left his jacket behind too because he’s sick of his old life and wants to begin anew and that includes shedding his old identity symbolized by his clothes.

[@simonpiacente3989]

It's my favorite of his too. And really one of my favorites ever by anyone. Regarding a comment in reply to this, imo I don't think he left her the wallet with the intent of leaving originally at that exact moment; though I think it made it easier when he did leave in that he left her with at least some money, credit, something to get back with etc.......The jacket leaving is questionable; I would place my bet that he was so out of his head that he left it on the stall without thinking. And then when the trucker reminded him it was too late to go back, as he had already made his decision and jumped in the truck. Who knows, but fun to speculate, and one of the great things about this film and many films of that era in particular is they're so open to audience speculation and reflection.

[@donarthiazi2443]

@@simonpiacente3989 Yeah, his thinking was _"I'm already in the cab of this truck heading into the great unknown..."_ which is exactly where he wanted to be. If he got out of that cab even to take 10 steps to get his jacket then she might see him. He had no intention of seeing her again. Movie ends with the diesel sound fading.. just perfect.

[@crokkadoodledoo9956]

The movie almost looks like a prequel to his role/character in cuckoo’s nest.

[@rakesfunnyfarm]

That is Karen Black.She played in some horror movies.She a very good actor too.

[@rocknrallsoul94rockero4]

Was 🥺

[@squaretriangle9208]

​@@rocknrallsoul94rockero4 is

[@doloreswallin4381]

Excellent film.

[@roseoakes411]

Jack Nicholas is a great actor

[@truthlifefishing1730]

She'll realise he has gone, remember the red logging truck heading north and follow or take the hint and then barely survive on waitressing wages and tips until she meets another man who may or may not treat her kindly. All the while, the child grows up without a father and the subconscious that he walked out on them and the mother.

[@ror312gallery19]

this is a real classic film.the story is original,the cast is superior,the direction,cinematography,a great film.

[@dtr19]

@witchman1 That's Karen Black who at one time was the scream queen. But at the time was considered quite the leading lady too.

[@mtnbkr51]

Even the lumber truck looks depressed and forlorn. Even lost. The driver is certainly no help either.

[@christophermcneela4493]

Leave her. Just up and go. Astonishingly great. Don’t stay in toxic. Don’t go another damn day or moment. It’s killing you.

[@bc5299]

The Red Rooster cafe. damn I miss that place, I used to eat their every time I went by.

[@PolkRidgeAesthete]

Which part of the island is this, then? I may never have been by it, and would like to.

[@bc5299]

@@PolkRidgeAesthete it was located 10km north of Duncan at the intersection of Mt. Sicker Rd and Hwy 1.

[@PolkRidgeAesthete]

@@bc5299 Thanks! I looked it up soon after asking, but appreciate your precise identification. Wish I could have eaten and done some writing there! I've always found the location haunting, if only for the endearing, mysterious wildness imparted by the timber.

[@leamanc]

@u23421 Glad you enjoyed the trivia. Also, Carole Eastman's original script had the opening titles over a young Bobby (age 10) playing "Five Easy Pieces" on piano at a funeral, apparently to establish some of his family tension (and Bobby's talent). This could've been interesting, but I really like the cold open on the oil well with "Stand By Your Man" playing. You get a real working class feel, and it's a shock to find out later that Bobby was raised upper-class. My favorite movie!

[@sikadast]

Great film and Great ending!

[@FrankRabbit600]

You know, as he looks in the mirror it's kind of like he's picturing himself in one of those frames from before...

[@theculturedthug6609]

He's leaving the 60s and going into the dark 70s.

[@Glanmire1990]

Ya he doesn't want the family settled life, he wants orgies and gangbangs and cocaine, it's terrible

[@LesterMoore]

Just hop on the bus Gus, making new plans Stan, just hop on the truck Chuck. There must be 30 ways to leave your lover.

[@williamparish32]

Good old movie, good old song

[@ChristianGustafson]

I'll treat you right, Rayette.

[@christophermcneela4493]

Besides a partner, it could be leaving a mother or any toxic relationship you feel glued into but actually don’t have to be.

[@seagreen1969]

You know it brother! I love looking at this just for the nostalgia factor of seeing Chemainus' suburb rofl . . . first time I ever ran out of gas (in the 80s) I coasted downhill on the highway before rolling into this gas station . . . which was closed for the night . . Luckyly (since you're clearly a local, you will get the joke), someone pulled in with a jerry can of marked gas to keep me going. And, FWIW, Wikipedia says that Jack's character drank Lucky Lager, so he's coming home . . .

[@Jendromeda]

a fantasy for a lot of people

[@Ridgid]

Now that's what i call a servics attendant. Now we pay $3.00 a gallom and pump it ourselves.

[@anonymike8280]

I learned all the rules of the modern day drifter / don't hang on the nothing too long / just take what you need from the ladies and leave them / with the words of a sad silent song - (covered by Willie Nelson) And, by the way, don't you hate it when chicks do that while you're driving? You have to watch the road. You know?

[@jimmyblood3416]

I’m pretty sure that was shot in Chemainus on Vancouver island. I drove over that bridge every day

[@deirdre108]

You are spot on. I live in WA and a lot of movie scenes that take place in the state are shot in BC.

[@dot1spot]

Yes, it is. I know the area as well.

[@Chrisdrumz]

Filled with such self loathing he leaves the coat and doesn't take up the drivers offer. His being cold is him punishing himself. He knows what he's doing is wrong and he needs to be punished.

[@badnewsjp]

Watch this every time i have an argument with the wife

[@EdwardCullenBabe95]

Watched this tonight for the 3rd time. (: I fucking love Jack Nicholson. I said that so many times, but ahh sdgihsdgh

[@robertmartinez4174]

when Five Easy Pieces begins Jack Nicholson has a southern accent but when he gets home with his family, he doesn't have one.

[@castelodeossos3947]

Not unusual for people's behaviour to change when home for a visit. I used not to smoke, because I knew my father didn't like my smoking, and I loved him so much, I respected it.

[@deirdre108]

That’s one of the realistic aspects of the film. I grew up in GA and after high school did my military service. Was separated from service on the west coast and that’s where I decided to stay. Lost my accent after a while but when I visited my family in GA and came back to WA everybody would tell me that I had a southern accent. LOL.

[@leamanc]

@Soskouy I agree, but I think that specific dialogue was chosen as a kind of tip-of-the-hat to the original script.

[@philipbuckley759]

as Archie Bunker once said.....there is a little, of me, in all of yous.....and there is a little, of this actor, in all of us, ergo a classical story...

[@fernmann7]

I think it’s Nicholson’s best film

[@christophermcneela4493]

Archie stayed with Edith. In that show, it is presented as a good thing. Being in hell with a “dingbat”. Jack in this scene does the actual good thing. To thine own self be true.

[@cameronpickard7456]

moving ending to a dramatic movie

[@danmartinazzi]

true ... one of the best!

[@mosilflutil10]

I know how he feels , head wrecker

[@carsonyoung9965]

If I spent more than a few minutes around that woman, I'd run away too

[@galenhof3371]

I've thought about doing that many times....just walking away from everything

[@MiniUsyk]

He froze to death like in the Shining

[@Lehmann108]

I hated this ending. So typical of the time. Experiencing existential angst and the attempt to resolve it by avoiding any responsibility. The narcissistic indulgence is nihilistic. This character is utterly lost and refuses to grow up.

[@paullippiello5212]

I find your comment very interesting: all ppl are saying is how sad the ending was and you call a spade a spade.

[@gitgenKE]

Finally someone with some sense. The comment section is full of idiocy.

[@griggsz9649]

This movie was the pioneer of that dark unpredictable protagonist that isn’t a good guy just relatable era of the 70’s. Have more respect then that it crawled so films like taxi driver could run

[@castelodeossos3947]

Mighty difficult to say, I'd say. In one way, one can say he refuses to grow up, in another way, one can say, he has grown up. And in yet another way, one quote JPSartre's: 'Hell is other people.' Perhaps he's the kind of man who would have become a monk, had his circumstances presented that possibility.

[@richmondtrew669]

It's the first time I've seen the this movie & to be honest I wasn't aware of it but as soon as It Jack's character gave her his wallet I suspected he'd cut loose, I thought he was just gonna drive away but the fact he left the car with a full tank & he left her his wallet.....no so mean.

[@u23421]

@leamanc Didn´t know that. Good coment. Thanks!

[@TheGodParticle]

Maybe he left his jacket and wallet as a sign of starting over again, just saying.

[@gilraybaker826]

I kept waiting for him to tell her to sell crazy somewhere else

[@915buck]

The only trouble with this scene, is when telling a story, any story, you try and make it believable. Any guy, and mean any guy, WOULD HAVE GOT HIS COAT!!

[@peterwestenthaler7954]

you have no idea what you are talking about

[@castelodeossos3947]

It's obviously deliberate, although why, I cannot say.

[@frankabler]

He didn't leave any money for himself. Not even identification. What is this ending all about? Now he can't even survive. No money. No ID. Nothing. Not even a jacket. He'll freeze. Makes no sense. He'll have to call his sister to come and save him in whatever small town he ends up in.

[@nottsgrl2432]

Left her his wallet and jacket so she would know he is not coming back.

[@Ionisus]

profession reporter is like a sequel to FIVE EASY PIECES

[@anonymike8280]

Many men manage to look like at least a semblance of their young selves when they get old. What happened to thing guy?

[@agilblom]

@leamanc Interesting, but if you ask me it seems way more effective that the dialogue appears to be just another bunch of crap Bobby made up moving along into the next part of his life. My guess is that's why they left it in. It still would have worked if you see a long shot of Bobby and the trucker talking and then Bobby getting in the cab.

[@MrRazorblade999]

I know exactly how he feels. It's a dread.

[@Chrisdrumz]

Should've left the credits in. Do you not realize it's even MORE of an impact with them?

[@JasonAlredge]

You think so, how?

[@mkedmusa9416]

folks do not know how to learn lines just two words at a time for any kind of quality movie!

[@DonPeyote420]

Jack Nicholson is so cool he pisses without making a sound

[@u23421]

@witchman1 Yeah! And he is Mickey Rooney! :(

[@superdoonz1]

The first ever depiction of a true Sigma male in film history.

[@cheese7781]

Shut up please

[@triciajohansen3027]

Karen looks like her eyes are always crossed.

[@crokkadoodledoo9956]

Yea but in a good way…like she’s a nympho manic that looks like she had hot sex for for 3 hours straight non stop.

[@Johnconno]

Guess along with Manson, Altamont and The Beatles, this ending was the end of a dream.😂

[@donarthiazi2443]

Altamont was only an end for Don McClean. 🇺🇸🥧 Everyone else moved on.

[@BrooklynAnt]

Who was the guy driving the truck at the end? Someone was asking me that saying that the actor looked familiar but he was uncredited as far as he knew. Anyone here know?

[@Rusmiscin]

1:54 looks like the car columbo drove.

[@adorejunk]

Gave his wallet with money and ID to her, no coat and just disappears.

[@Chrisdrumz]

@ChrisMagoo99I agree. Too bad they aren't on this vid. The truck drives off,then BOOM the vid is over. What a crock.

[@peterdonahue6492]

Too bad the frame is compressed horizontally.

[@Per-ErikJansson]

thats a two stroke engine in that truck

[@ziemass]

I uploaded this movie yesterday on stagevu

[@Chelz12]

This is not gonna happen but yeah before when i was running from it all. Everybody

[@ashleys9949]

Detroit pulling the hill

[@blizzy63]

Freaky...but no surprise in that neighbourhood.

[@stevenmitchell2996]

Great film but the ending leaves many questions unanswered. Old films like Five Easy Pieces are better than the rubbish movies of today.

[@paulcooper5748]

Poor karen black.

[@crokkadoodledoo9956]

She was so bizarrely sexy and beautiful in this time period. She had a gorgeous singing voice too.

[@mobus1603]

It would have ruined the ending if he took the wallet, but I'm not sure why he left his jacket, unless he was trying to give the impression of foul play in his disappearance.

[@yeshuaservant7]

He forgot it. But he was punishing himself.

[@mobus1603]

@@yeshuaservant7 Forgot it? The truck driver asked him about the jacket before they left. It's more likely that he didn't want Rayette to possibly see him if he got out of the cab to go grab his jacket, so he'd rather be cold than take the chance of her seeing him.

[@yeshuaservant7]

@@mobus1603 He forgot his jacket. That's why he did not take it with him. But yes, he also could not take the chance of Rayette seeing him--if he had gone back inside to get it.

[@mobus1603]

@@yeshuaservant7 He may have forgot it at first, but he obviously didn't forget his jacket after the truck driver asked him about one.

[@yeshuaservant7]

@@mobus1603 That is the point I just acknowledged.

[@JasonAlredge]

What an "interesting" ending, to say the least? What was the overal point of it? of the film?

[@anthonyleone7662]

this is the ultimate "drifter" movie; the main character is caught deep inside of this maze of an existential crisis, struggling to get out and find himself, to determine who he really is and what he stands for; its not the Texas roughneck with the "Tammi Wynette" girlfriend, Rayanne, its not the serious gifted musician, he goes to his father but its too late and his father can't help him. Finally, at the gas station in the bathroom he has an epiphany of sorts and he realizes that he can't go on, so he sheds his jacket, a metaphor to shedding the life with Rayanne and he heads back on the road to continue searching. Some of us never discover who we really are until the end of life. This is the human condition.

[@corm1000]

@Randy White That comment is one of the jems, I look for when I read comments.

[@Chrisdrumz]

Where are the closing credits? Kinda pointless without them. Amazing. How can you not include them?

[@willburr]

I know you rider, gonna miss me when I'm gone, Gonna miss your baby, from rolling in your arms... --Grateful Dead, traditional--

[@John45acp]

Karen Black's part, was one of the most annoying and idiotic parts, I think the way he left her at the gas stop was classic, I would have go rid of her early on....

[@chrisdrummond8893]

But if Bobby was " good" to you you would " ghost" him.

[@obbeachbum69]

There's nothing "classic" about this movie. It just happened to be popular when most baby boomers were young and everything is significant when you're young. Bobby is one of the most narcissistic characters to ever grace the big screen. He uses and discards people like so much toilet paper. Leaving his girlfriend in a hotel for 2 weeks without a thought, fucking his brothers girlfriend, abandoning his unborn child, he walks through life with an unwarranted sense of entitlement and superiority (I can play the piano...but I won't) all the while sporting a grumpy cat face as if somehow he's the victim. We all have encountered people like this in real life, now haven't we?

[@divittybissel7101]

what's wrong with an unwarranted sense of superiority? Who are you to judge another personality? I believe people who think they are superior really are superior. And those menial and petty who have the hide to bring them down are just pathetic. I agree with you on his wrongs about leaving his unborn child and such, but narcissism is a healthy behavior in our species. Megalomania would be my favorite.

[@lynnturman8157]

It's a character study. One of the things that makes it great is that he's NOT likeable. It's examining a character who is selfish, self-absorbed, irresponsible, and afraid of any kind of commitment or connection with anybody & seeing what the consequences are: he ends up being alone & homeless. It's a cautionary tale. If you want 90 minutes of mindless entertainment where you can root for a two-dimensional good guy, go watch IRON MAN 15.

[@obbeachbum69]

Lynn Turman Well Lynn, I've never seen an Iron man movie so I can't judge it's qualities or lack thereof. The real question is; What makes a great movie? First off, you must tell a story. It has to keep the viewer engaged and create some emotional connection with the protagonist. The story has to progress and show how the protagonist deals with or changes in response to the events he experienced during the film. It also have to have relevance beyond the era it was created. There has to be a purpose for making the film, a "theme" rather than just special effects and sexy actors. In Five Easy Pieces, Bobby ends the movie just as it began. We follow him around watching him inflicting emotional wreckage on everyone he encounters only to conclude by him jumping in a semi presumably to continue his sociopathy ad nauseum. There is no growth, no change, no consequences commensurate with damage he caused. Compare that to The Godfather, Citizen Kane, 12 Angry Men, Dr. Strangelove or Apocalypse Now. The contrast couldn't be more stark.

[@lynnturman8157]

***** To begin with, what makes a great movie is totally subjective (like all artistic endeavors). I guess you can classify a movie as being "great" if enough people are of that opinion (which when it comes to FIVE EASY PIECES, many people are). I'll agree with you that your description of the protagonist's journey is a narrative standard found in most movies (great or otherwise). And I'll agree that Bobby DOESN'T grow or change or have an arc. But that's the point. It would be out of CHARACTER for him to do that. It's short on plot & story arcs, long on examination of a character. And again, one of the things GREAT about it is its AVOIDANCE of well-worn conventions like you mentioned (not that there's anything wrong with them--the movies you mentioned are all great). Ever see ADAPTATION? Listen to Nicholas Cage describe to his agent at the beginning why he's interested in adapting into a movie a book about flowers. That kinda sums up what I think FIVE EASY PIECES is trying to do. Not having a likeable protagonist who doesn't change over the course of the movie will mean it will have its detractors, but it doesn't mean it isn't good (or dare I say great).

[@obbeachbum69]

Lynn Turman My guess is what makes this movie memorable isn't the story, but Jack Nicholson. When you ask the average person what he remembers about this movie, most will point to the dinner scene. For the first time we saw what Nicholson would later mine into Hollywood gold in The Shining and A Few Good Men; his smirking sarcasm giving way to simmering and then explosive rage. For comparison, imagine if you will, Justin Bieber performing that scene. KZbin protip: Instead of accentuating words using all caps, simply place a star before and after the word (no space) and it makes the word *bold* Nice chatting with you Lynn.

[@mrfixxxer118]

I bet thats what Actually happened to Sandra Bullock.

[@uttaradit2]

even from the uk that car looks like a pos ?

[@amadream1]

i wish he ended up with that one girl back at his house. :/ even though i think she was engaged to that other man and his actual gf was pregnant. his gf just acted too stupid, it annoyed the crap out of me. i guess i just hope for happy endings and the main character ends up with someone. however, this movie does a good job in showing a realistic version of things and how things don't always work out the way you want them to. plus the idea of giving up everything and just going off somewhere new is quite interesting too.

[@witchman1]

Is that Shirley Temple?

[@LeonardStauffer]

No

[@uttaradit2]

is the gas station still there ??

[@houndsontherun]

Yes. It was pretty much the same right up until 2009-ish and then they demo’ed it an built a fancier Chevron.

[@houndsontherun]

@@Martys-4x4 well .. there is still a gas station there.. just not the 1970s version. There’s a nice farm market beside it which is also an expanded version of the fruit/veg stand that was always there.. it’s all beside the Chemainus River and overall an nice spot that will still look mostly like the scene in the movie.

[@stratoleft]

How the fuk do you white wash this as "One of the best ending ever"?

[@mikeevans5810]

a stupid film with the typical unhappy ending so common in movies back in those anti-culture years

[@tarhunta2111]

I like how the film uses the metaphor of the gas station.Because that's what women essentially are.

[@jarnokorhonen3840]

Full of gas?😅