Runtime: 98 minutes
Directed by: Bob Rafelson
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Karen Black, Lois Smith, Susan Anspach, Billy Green Bush
From: Columbia
For those I didn't drive away after my last review...
That's me, flaws and all. Even if plenty will disagree, there's quite a bit concerning modern movies that I don't find too appealing, which is why I don't see as many modern movies as most. In addition, at least I am not as flawed as Robert Eroica Dupea, as portrayed by Jack Nicholson in this motion picture. This is something I can lavish a plenitude of praise upon even if it is not a happy movie and the lead character makes no shortage of choices that the majority will think cast him in a rather poor light.
That stated, this methodically paced movie is not boring nor it is a slog following someone who breaks various hearts, including the other half of the toxic relationship he's in—Karen Black's tremendously-named Rayette Dipesto. Dupea eventually has to make his way back to the family compound in Washington State... he's from a well-to-do clan that's all great musicians but instead of using his given talents, he ran away and does backbreaking jobs such as working at oil wells. A devastating scene near the end does offer insight into his actions. Bobby is someone who is eager to cheat on his lady yet despite all his sins he was not a character I couldn't stand following. He was one of many fascinating people in this film.
The cast as a whole was solid and Karen Black delivered a noteworthy performance but it was Nicholson who carried this movie-this was one of the best performances I've ever seen him have and he had some excellent acting in some scenes. Some levity-such as the scenes involving Helena Kallianiotes and Toni Basil-as it was not easy viewing the lead's self-destructive tendencies nor the awkwardness of his family. Unlike what we get too often now, this was not an intolerable version of being off-putting and uncomfortable; rather, it was always fascinating.
Mix in a real 70's ending and this was a drama which was a serious journey that was rewarding. Many people probably will be able to relate at least in a small way to one (or more) aspects of Bobby's journey as shown here; I won't state on how much of this made me feel uneasy...
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