Five Easy Pieces

Bob Rafelson, 1970 (suom. "Rajut kuviot")

This was a total surprise... such a great and subtle film and such a role from Jack Nicholson! This is definitely his best role I've ever seen; I didn't know he had such emotional acting capabilities too in addition to his trademark portrayal of a woman-despising self-centered prick. He plays a similar role in this film too, but his dark personality is the whole essence of this film, exploring what makes a man like that: emotionless and controlled although capable of acting emotion, constantly sarcastic, and leading an unhealthy lifestyle rather constantly escaping imminent trouble. He has a relationship with a bimbo that he despises and cheats on, and she keeps him entangled with guilt and suicidal threats. The only thing he loves about her is her lovely singing voice, since he is a run-off from a pure upper class family of musicians, and also an adept pianist. He ends up in a fight with practically every person he talks to and likes making fun of people's disabilities. The climax of the film him meeting with his father was just pure wonderful... so subtle and so very sad. It touched me very much.

The camerawork in the film is lovely and every scene was shot in a way that really captured my interest throughout the film. Maybe it's the choice of clothes, colors, camera views and so on. The second half of the film is filled with classical piano pieces in the background - not as background music but because the scenes are set in a house full of practicing musicians. Also all the acting was superb all throughout the film.