Five Easy Pieces

Lord, this DVD sat in my mail pile for weeks. This weekend I finally took the time to watch it.

Five Easy Pieces is a drama directed by Bob Rafelson, 96 minutes long and was released in 1970.
It is fair to argue that this movie put Jack Nicholson on the map as a big talent.
A story about a disillusioned classical pianist who has cast aside his talent for the life of wandering. The movie starts with Robert (Jack) working on an oil drilling rig in California, as a go-fer, just a job that brings in enough money for a place to live and beer to drink. His girlfriend is Rayette, a pretty but stupid blond with insecurity issues. The beauty isn't enough to hold him and he is involved in dalliances. Soon into the story, Robert learns that his father is sick, have had a couple of stroke, for this he make s the long drive to Washington. While visiting we see that Robert's anxiety is increased in their musically blessed family. Robert ends up fooling with the woman his brother, this leads to a connection that cannot be fulfilled. Frustrated, Robert heads for home with Rayette, when he stops for gas, he slips away in a logging truck and leaves his girlfriend with the car and his wallet. He even leaves his jacket. Off on another escape.
The cast...

• Jack Nicholson played Robert Eroica Dupea, the main part, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award setting his career on the upper road.
• Karen Black as Rayette Dipesto, as a kid I always wondered why Karen Black was so popular and considered so pretty. Her looks are different, but now I understand. Sorry that she didn't do more work.
• Billy Green Bush as Elton, Robert's oil rig and drinking pal. A laugh so deep and unique it almost worth replaying.
• Fannie Flagg as Stoney, Elton's wife, bit part, nondescript.
• Stoney Sally Struthers as Betty, the first of Robert's extra-circular affairs. Never though this this movie would treat me with Archie Bunker's little girl in the flesh.
• Ralph Waite as Carl Fidelio Dupea, what names, plays Robert's older brother, a classical violin player with an injured neck. Ralph Waite is better known as John Boy's father in the Waltons. He was also in Cool Hand Luke.

The best part of the movie takes place during the drive north. In a diner Robert is trying to order lunch...

Robert: I'd like an omelet, plain, and a chicken salad sandwich on wheat toast, no mayonnaise, no butter, no lettuce. And a cup of coffee.
Waitress: A #2, chicken salad sand. Hold the butter, the lettuce, the mayonnaise, and a cup of coffee. Anything else?
Robert: Yeah, now all you have to do is hold the chicken, bring me the toast, give me a check for the chicken salad sandwich, and you haven't broken any rules.
Waitress: You want me to hold the chicken, huh?
Robert: I want you to hold it between your knees.

I enjoyed the movie, score 34 of 50.

• Character development 8 of 10.
• Writing 6 of 10.
• Photography 6 of 10.
• Acting 8 of 10.
• Concept 6 of 10.