Directed By: Mike Nichols

This is a complex film about two shallow and unattractive men which follows the development of their sexuality from their college years to middle age. Jonathan (Jack Nicholson) and Sandy (Art Garfunkel) share a room at College. Both have the usual heterosexual ambitions but seem to be quite green. Jonathan is initially big on talk and is totally fixated on women as sexual objects. Sandy is shy and inexperienced and easily directed by Jonathan. Sandy confides in Jonathan to excess and Jonathan abuses this confidence. Jonathan is such a rat that one wonders why the friendship endures, but then Sandy is in turn is so na?ve that this should not be a surprise.

As the years pass we witness both men in a variety of relationships, none of which last. Also, as the film develops, it becomes apparent that, whilst Jonathan exudes bravado, underneath that carapace is a very screwed up character. The women in the film are foils for the main characters and each present differing personalities and different ways of dealing with their men. Susan (Candice Bergen) is Sandy?s first lover and presents as a typical home town girl. However she soon finds herself in an extremely difficult no-win situation. Much attention is given to the stormy live-in and later married relationship between Jonathan and Bobbie (Ann Margret). This is a destructive and depressing pairing and brings out the worst in both of the characters. The film?s depressing theme is maintained throughout.

THE EXTRAS

Handily titled scene selection and Norsk sub titles are the only extras provided.

CONCLUSION

Nicholson handles his role excellently. The role called for the sort of near madness which Nicholson can create so convincingly and for this performance he was nominated in 1972 for a Golden Globe as lead actor. The performances of the young Nicholson is so like that of Tom Cruise that one cannot help but surmise that Cruise ?lifted? some of his techniques from Jack, particularly the forced teethy grin and the other subtle facial expressions which Cruise uses so effectively. Art Garfunkel is also impressive and presents the weak and easily manipulated character of Sandy perfectly. He was nominated for best supporting actor in the 1972 Golden Globes. Ann Margret?s Bobbie earned her an Oscar Nomination and a Golden Globe Award in 1972. Unfortunately the types of characters portrayed in this film abound in society and from this point of view the film acts as a window on human nature. However, whilst it presents the problems it offers no solutions. It also provides us with a reminder of the social mores prevailing at the time - the film was shot in 1971 and depicts the contemporaneous social scene.