How will you remember Jack Nicholson?
Jack Nicholson turned 79 on April 22, and his fans were wondering what became of him. He might have followed Sean Connery, retiring quietly from showbiz. Gene Hackman may have inspired him, as he could be writing his first book. "How Do You Know", which was released six years ago, saw him reunite with James L. Brooks. It was their third collaboration after the critical and commercial success of "Terms of Endearment" (1983) and "As Good as It Gets" (1997). But it was a huge flop. Those who followed his career would overlook it. Even "Anger Management". (It won't be the right time to talk about Adam Sandler's works.) After all, Nicholson had an enviable career.
Nicholson, who grew up in Neptune City, New Jersey, would be the most nominated actor in the history of the Academy Awards. He, along with Walter Brennan and Daniel Day-Lewis, was the only actor to win three Oscars in the acting categories. He made his debut in a B film "The Cry Baby Killer" (1958), and followed it up with his collaborations with Roger Corman. "The Little Shop of Horrors", his fourth feature, could be the first film that his fans would talk about. Nicholson was Wilbur Force, a masochistic patient, and his performance was one of the reasons behind the film's cult status. Fans liked his mischievous smile, which would disguise a menace. It could be Nicholson's signature look, but he's more than that.
Nicholson scored his first Academy Award nomination for "Easy Rider" (1969). This was Dennis Hopper's counterculture film, where a pair of bikers witnessed the reluctance, if not hatred, of Americans towards nonconformists. And they met the likes of George Hanson, played by Nicholson, who experimented on an alternative lifestyle. The movie could have been a pedagogue, which would turn off viewers. Humor was needed to examine this troubled period. In this regard, Nicholson's Hanson provided more than enough. But let's not talk further about his achievements. If you're a Jack Nicholson fan, name one film of his where you would remember him.
It would be hard. Here's a short list that might help you:
Chinatown (1974) by Roman Polanski. As J. J. "Jake" Gittes, Nicholson was hired to investigate a possible foul play in Los Angeles. It could be an engrossing journey if not for the slapping scene. Faye Dunaway admitted incest. Some thought it was a campy moment, which Polanski may not have intended (for that scene). It won't be hard to imagine Nicholson suppressing his laugh between takes.
The Shining (1980) by Stanley Kubrick. Nicholson's Jack Torrance was a terrifying figure, his transformation won't be for the nervous viewers. It was a jumpy Nicholson who saved the day. (The movie wasn't received well, but the opinion became favorable after many years. This was the case with Kubrick's films.) No one wanted to open doors anymore.
The Witches of Eastwick (1987) by George Miller. Life imitates art? You might be reading tabloid magazines in your spare time.
Batman (1989) by Tim Burton. The director of "Beetlejuice" was criticized for focusing on how Jack Napier ended up as the Joker. The answer was pretty obvious.
About Schmidt (2002) by Alexander Payne. There was no doubt that Warren Schmidt would be one of Nicholson's memorable roles. Payne, who directed "Citizen Ruth" and "Election", showed Nicholson's tender side. His fans would be divided, wondering if they still prefer his mischievous side.
Have you made up your mind? Did we miss anything? Let us know.
