One of the most iconic characters created by author Stephen King on screen was undoubtedly Jack Nicholson's portrayal of Jack Torrance in the 1980 adaptation of The Shining. I've read that King had some issues with the final film but it certainly became one of the most well known and successful adaptations of his books. I love the beginning of the film, and the mood director Stanley Kubrick sets. My interest however, tends to wane once the Torrance family is alone at The Stanley Hotel. I'm not really sure I've ever seen the film all the way through, but have watched the first third several times.
'A family heads to an isolated hotel for the winter where a sinister presence influences the father into violence, while his psychic son sees horrific forebodings from both past and future.'
As much as I love Jack Nicholson, I was surprised how many of these films I've only seen bits and pieces of. My favorite Nicholson film is The Witches Of Eastwick and I think that's because that's the first time I ever saw him on screen. I was only kid when I saw the film, but it made an impression. Again however, with a second viewing, the film is at it's best in the beginning, and in the end. It tends a drag a bit in the middle, and some scenes seem really dragged out.
Carnal Knowledge (1971)'Chronicling the lifelong sexual development of two men who meet and become friends in college.'
Although Jack Nicholson was hot when he was young, he never really really embodied the looks of the typical leading men of the 70's and 80's. With his competition being Warren Beatty, Robert Redford and Paul Newman, Nicholson chose his roles wisely. It's a testament to his talent that he played so many legendary lovers and had so many leading ladies lusting after him on screen. It didn't hurt that former co-star and partner Angelica Houston talked publicly about the impressive size of his penis...
Chinatown (1974)
A private detective hired to expose an adulterer in 1930s Los Angeles finds himself caught up in a web of deceit, corruption, and murder.
The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981)
'The sensuous wife of a lunch wagon proprietor and a rootless drifter begin a sordidly steamy affair and conspire to murder her Greek husband.
Prizzi's Honor (1985)
Two professional assassins fall in love.
About Schmidt (2002)
A recently retired man embarks on a journey to his estranged daughter's wedding, only to discover more about himself and life than he ever expected.
Something's Gotta Give (2003)
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