Following JACK NICHOLSON's breakout supporting turn in Easy Rider, director BOB RAFELSON (The King of Marvin Gardens) devised a powerful leading role for the new star in the searing character study Five Easy Pieces. Nicholson plays the now iconic cad Bobby Dupea, a shiftless thirtysomething oil rigger and former piano prodigy immune to any sense of responsibility, who returns to his upper-middle-class childhood home, blue-collar girlfriend (Nashville's KAREN BLACK, in an Oscar-nominated role) in tow, to see his estranged ailing father. Moving in its simplicity and gritty in its textures, Five Easy Pieces is a lasting example of early 1970s American alienation. SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES Restored high-definition digital transfer, supervised by director of photography László Kovács, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack Audio commentary featuring director Bob Rafelson and interior designer Toby Rafelson Soul Searching in Five Easy Pieces, a 2009 video piece with Rafelson BBStory, a 2009 documentary about the legendary film company BBS Productions, with Rafelson; actors Jack Nicholson, Karen Black, and Ellen Burstyn; directors Peter Bogdanovich and Henry Jaglom; and others Documentary from 2009 about BBS featuring critic David Thomson and historian Douglas Brinkley Audio excerpts from a 1976 AFI interview with Rafelson Theatrical trailer and teasers PLUS: An essay by critic Kent Jones
This subtle, existential character study of an emotionally distant outcast (Nicholson) forced to confront his past failures remains an intimate cornerstone of American cinema of the 1970s. Written and directed with remarkable restraint by Bob Rafelson, the film is the result of a short-lived partnership between the filmmaker and Nicholson--the first was the zany formalist exercise, Head, while the equally impressive King of Marvin Gardens followed Five Easy Pieces. Quiet and full of long, controlled takes, this film draws its strength from the acutely detailed, non-judgemental observations of its complex protagonist, Robert Dupea--an extremely crass and frustrated oil worker and failed child pianist hiding from his past in Texas. Dupea spends his life drinking beer and sleeping with (and cheating on) his annoying but adoring Tammy Wynette-wannabe girlfriend, but when he learns that his father is dying in Washington State, he leaves. After the film transforms into a spirited road movie, and arrives at the eccentric upper-class Dupea family mansion, it becomes apparent that leaving is what Dupea does best--from his problems, fears and those who love him. Nicholson gives a difficult yet masterful performance in an unlikeable role, one that's full of ambiguity and requires violent shifts in acting style. Several sequences--such as his stopping traffic to play piano, or his famous verbal duels with a cranky waitress over a chicken-salad sandwich--are Nicholson landmarks. Yet, it's the quieter moments, when Dupea tries miserably to communicate and reconcile with his dying father, where the actor shows his real talent--and by extension, shows us the wounded little boy that lurks in the shell of the man Dupea has become. --Dave McCoy, Amazon.com
FBI investigator Alexandra Barnes (Debra Winger) becomes obsessed with proving glamorous socialite Catharine Petersen (Theresa Russell) is a murderess, responsible for the deaths of several millionaires who died suspiciously soon after marrying. Believing her to have assumed a new identity each time, Agent Barnes sets out to prove her suspicions, but finds that she too is falling under the spell of her seductive suspect. This stylish thrill from director Bob Rafelson (Five Easy Pieces, Head) features brilliant performances by two of Hollywood's most exciting actresses, and stunning cinematography by the legendary Conrad L. Hall (Marathon Man) who returned to make Black Widow after a 10-year absence from film-making.
Bob Rafelson's Mountains Of The Moon based on William Harrison's biographical novel 'Burton and Speke' tells the story of 19th century explorers Captain R.F. Burton (Patrick Bergin) and Lt. John Hanning Speke's (Iain Glen) 1854 expedition to Africa to find the source of the river Nile. Shot in the actual locations where the events unfolded the protagonists sustain injuries and illness and encounter animosity from tribes as they struggle with the uncompromising African wilderness. T
'A Hard Day's Night' on acid! Head's unconventional movie within a movie dreamlike style showcases the Monkees' musical and comedic talents honed on their popular TV series. 'Head' is an undeniably hilarious yet unpredictable film filled with great music! Songs featured include porpoise Song Ditty Diego - War Chant Circle Sky Can You Dig It As We Go Along Daddy's Song Happy Birthday To You and Long Title: Do I Have To Do This All Over Again?
FBI investigator Alexandra Barnes (Debra Winger) becomes obsessed with proving glamorous socialite Catharine Petersen (Theresa Russell) is a murderess, responsible for the deaths of several millionaires who died suspiciously soon after marrying. Believing her to have assumed a new identity each time, Agent Barnes sets out to prove her suspicions, but finds that she too is falling under the spell of her seductive suspect. This stylish thrill from director Bob Rafelson (Five Easy Pieces, Head) features brilliant performances by two of Hollywood's most exciting actresses, and stunning cinematography by the legendary Conrad L. Hall (Marathon Man) who returned to make Black Widow after a 10-year absence from film-making.
Catharine (Theresa Russell) is a sultry beauty who meticulously sets her traps. Alex (Debra Winger) is a federal sleuth who just as meticulously uncovers what no one else suspects - that this femme fatale tricks wealthy men into marrying her then kills them to inherit their fortunes. Soon Alex's obsession with the mysterious Catharine draws her deeper and deeper into danger...
A Few Good Men Collector's Edition (Dir. Rob Reiner 1992): One man is dead. Two men are accused of his murder. The entire Marines Corps is on trial. And 'A Few Good Men' are about to ignite the most explosive episode in US military history. Universally acclaimed A Few Good Men unites the big screen's biggest stars as Hollywood heavyweights Jack Nicholson Tom Cruise and Demi Moore lead an all star cast in director Rob Reiner's powerful account of corruption cover-up and a relentless quest for justice within the sacred corridors of the US Navy. As Good As It Get's (Dir. James L. Brooks 1997): Nicholson gives a show-stopping performance as Melvin Udall an obsessive-compulsive novelist who takes pride in his ability to affront repulse offend and wound. His targets are random his aim reckless. Winner of three Golden Globe Awards two Oscars and a staggering further five Oscar nominations As Good As It Gets is a comedy from the heart that goes straight for the throat! Five Easy Pieces (Dir. Bob Rafelson 1970): In an Academy Award nominated performance for Best Actor (1970) Jack Nicholson is outstanding in Five Easy Pieces the acclaimed drama from director Bob Rafelson. Although a brilliant classical pianist from an intellectual well-to-do family - Robert Dupea (Nicholson) has made a career out of running from job to job and woman to woman. Presently working in an oil field Dupea spends most of his free time downing beers playing poker and being non-committal with his sexy but witless girlfriend Rayette (Karen Black). But when he is summoned to his father's deathbed Dupea returns home with Rayette where he meets and falls for a sophisticated woman (Susan Anspach). Now caught between his conflicting lifestyles the gifted but troubled Dupea must face issues that will change his life forever. Deceptively simple but one of the most complex and interesting films of its time.
It's the early 60's and hard-boiled private eye Philip Marlowe played by James Caan is as cynical as ever but also a newlywed. Moving to the small desert town of Poodle Springs after marrying the daughter (Dina Meyer) of a billionaire Marlowe becomes immersed in deadly intrigue surrounding the murder of another investigator. Uncovering a sinister scheme to relocate the state border of Nevada that might involve his wealthy father-in-law the world-weary Marlowe encounters a web of greed lust and murder as dark and as deadly as he has ever seen. With a talent for attracting trouble Marlowe finds it in Poodle Springs in the form of bigamy gambling pornography and double identity
If you've got an appetite for life: Stay Hungry. A syndicate wants to buy a whole district to rebuild it. They've bought every house except the small gym ""Olympic"" where Mr. Austria Joe Santo prepares for the Mr. Universe championships a month ahead. The rich sunny-boy Craig Blake is brought in by the syndicate as a dummy to buy the gym. But then he starts to like the people and falls in love with Joe's friend Marie-Tate...
He plans to steal... more than her heart. In this wild romantic comedy with a decidedly off-beat sense of humour Jack Nicholson stars as Harry a wisecracking con-man who owns a guard dog agency. When Joan (Ellen Barkin) an opera singer seeks his aid after her house is broken into Harry inadvertently makes them the target of hit men - and puts them at the mercy of Harry's out-of-control canines. Harry Dean Stanton as a less-than-honourable businessman and Beverly D'Angelo as Joan's eccentric sister also star.
Jack a police officer is taken hostage inside a house that is being used by a gang of bank robbers. When he is left alone with gang member Erin they become attracted to each other... Based on a short story entitled 'The House on Turk Street' by classic pulp novelist Dashiell Hammett.
'The King Of Marvin Gardens' is a dark drama about two brothers who team up for an odd real estate scheme involving a Hawaiian island. Jason (Bruce Dern) summons his younger sibling David (Jack Nicholson) a Philadelphia radio personality to join him in Atlantic City to get the deal going. But when David arrives he finds that a local crime boss has had Jason thrown in jail. David intervenes on his brother's behalf and succeeds in bailing Jason out. But the charges won't be dropped
When several millionaires die in mysterious circumstances it raises the suspicions of FBI agent Alexandra Barnes (Debra Winger). After finding evidence to suggest that the murders are the work of one charming and beautiful seductress Theresa Russell (Catharine Petersen). Agent Barnes becomes obsessed with bringing her to justice. Doubted by her peers Agent Barnes must immerse herself into the web of lies identities deceit and danger in order to catch her prey and bring her to justice.
This box set features the following films: Five Easy Pieces (Dir. Bob Rafelson) (1970): Although a brilliant classical pianist from an intellectual well-to-do family - Robert Dupea (Nicholson) has made a career out of running from job to job and woman to woman. Presently working in an oil field Dupea spends most of his free time downing beers playing poker and being non-committal with his sexy but witless girlfriend Rayette (Karen Black). But when he is summoned to his father's deathbed Dupea returns home with Rayette where he meets and falls for a sophisticated woman (Susan Anspach). Now caught between his conflicting lifestyles the gifted but troubled Dupea must face issues that will change his life forever. As Good As It Gets (Dir. James L. Brookes) (1997): Nicholson gives a show-stopping performance as Melvin Udall an obsessive-compulsive novelist who takes pride in his ability to affront repulse offend and wound. His targets are random his aim reckless. Last Detail (Dir. Hal Ashby) (1973): Billy Budduskey (Jack Nicholson) a hard bitten wise-cracking foul-mouthed cynical but professional Navy-man is given the loathsome job of escorting a very young sailor (Randy Quaid) to a military prison for a minor crime. Budduskey decides to give the young sailor a life-time of experience in just three days! Easy Rider (Dir. Dennis Hopper) (1969): Two young hippie bikers Wyatt and Billy sell drugs in Southern California stash their money away in their gas-tanks and set off for a trip across America along the way they encounter hitchhikers a drunken lawyer a jail cell a whorehouse and the death of a friend. A Few Good Men (Dir. Rob Reiner) (1992) One man is dead. Two men are accused of his murder. The entire Marines Corps is on trial. And 'A Few Good Men' are about to ignite the most explosive episode in US military history. Universally acclaimed A Few Good Men unites the big screen's biggest stars as Hollywood heavyweights Jack Nicholson Tom Cruise and Demi Moore lead an all star cast in director Rob Reiner's powerful account of corruption cover-up and a relentless quest for justice within the sacred corridors of the US Navy. King Of Marvin Gardens (Dir. Bob Rafelson) (1972): This film is a dark drama about two brothers who team up for an odd real estate scheme involving a Hawaiian island. Jason (Bruce Dern) summons his younger sibling David (Jack Nicholson) a Philadelphia radio personality to join him in Atlantic City to get the deal going. But when David arrives he finds that a local crime boss has had Jason thrown in jail. David intervenes on his brother's behalf and succeeds in bailing Jason out. But the charges won't be dropped unless Jason forgets the Hawaiian venture. So together with Jason's girlfriend Sally (Ellen Burstyn) and Jessie (Julia Anne Robinson) the two brothers try to figure out what to do next. One meeting with the crime boss convinces David that they shouldn't go through with their plans but Jason won't hear of that. Something has got to give...
Harry Bliss (Nicholson) is the owner of the House of Bliss Guard Dog Agency he's a liar and smart with it. Life's far from perfect and his marriage is on the rocks but hey he's seeing a marriage guidance counsellor. When a famous opera singer Joan Spruance (Ellen Barkin) starts to receive mysterious phone calls and her house is ransacked she moves into the Hollywood home of her sister Andy (Beverly D'Angelo). However life with her sibling is no easier. Besieged by Andy's ex-lovers harassed by her own husband and stalked by a killer she decides to hire protection -a guard dog! Harry is soon offering more than protection to the sexy Joan in this wacky entertaining comedy.
This box set features three films where the sleuth is on the trail... Emmett's Mark: When brilliant detective Emmett Young starts developing killer headaches he puts it down to stress but a trip to the doctor's reveals another cause. Emmett has a fatal disease. He hires a hitman to kill him only to find out the hospital has made a mistake. Now he has to find his own unknown assassin and solve the biggest murder mystery of his career...his own!!! Primary Suspect: Christian Box (William Baldwin) and his wife Kenna are the best undercover team on the force until a botched drugs sting leaves Kenna dead. Enraged Box goes on a rampage that leaves him disciplined and demoted to work in the evidence room. Two years later Box's ex-partner Nemanski involves him in a phoney drug deal to catch Reuben (Vincent Castellanos) the dealer who ordered Kenna's death. But Reuben fails to show up sending hisfiancee Nikki (Brigitte Bako) instead. The money goes missing and Nemanski's body is discovered in the hotel room where the exchange was to take place. Now the primary suspect in his partner's murder chased by cops and mobsters alike Box and Nikki travel to Reuben's mountain hideaway for the ultimate confrontation... Poodle Springs: It's the early 60's and hard-boiled private eye Philip Marlowe played by James Caan is as cynical as ever but also a newlywed. Moving to the small desert town of Poodle Springs after marrying the daughter (Dina Meyer) of a billionaire Marlowe becomes immersed in deadly intrigue surrounding the murder of another investigator. Uncovering a sinister scheme to relocate the state border of Nevada that might involve his wealthy father-in-law the world-weary Marlowe encounters a web of greed lust and murder as dark and as deadly as he has ever seen. With a talent for attracting trouble Marlowe finds it in Poodle Springs in the form of bigamy gambling pornography and double identity.
Growing Up Wild provides a fun and exciting look at baby animals in their growing-up years. This fascinating series offers a humorous and engaging view of the animal kingdom that the whole family can enjoy together. Your animated host Madison the cast brings the viewers right into the natural habitats of creatures large and small with amazing close-up footage that will enchant young audiences. See how baby animals spend the day with their families: eating sleeping playing and learning.
In The Postman Always Rings Twice, Jack Nicholson teamed up again with his Five Easy Pieces and King of Marvin Gardens director Bob Rafelson for this 1981 version of James M. Cain's hardboiled novel of lust and murder. This version takes a much grittier (and sexually explicit) approach to the material than the slick 1946 MGM version starring John Garfield and Lana Turner. Nicholson plays Frank Chambers, a drifter who happens upon a roadside diner run by Cora Papadakis (Jessica Lange) and her swarthy Greek husband, Nick (John Colicos). Sparks fly, and before you can say l'amour fou, Frank and Cora are making the beast with two backs on the kitchen table. One thing leads to another and they conspire to murder Nick. The movie is still a little too cold and distant to fully convey a hot-blooded passion that leads to murder, but it is a strangely haunting and disturbing film nevertheless. The screenplay is by David Mamet, the photography is by the great Sven Nykvist (Ingmar Bergman's cinematographer), and watch for Anjelica Huston in a supporting role. --Jim Emerson
While doing a friend a favor and searching for a runaway teenager, a police detective stumbles upon a bizarre band of criminals about to pull off a bank robbery.
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