MovieChat Forums > Five Easy Pieces (1970) Discussion > Serious inquiry.....what's the big deal?

Serious inquiry.....what's the big deal?

posted 14 years ago by Catfishbunter
28 replies | jump to latest

I'm not trying to be disparaging by asking this, but what is the big deal about this film? I've always seen this on lists of "Greatest Movies Ever" and Roger Ebert included it in his 100 best films. I didn't hate the film, but I was far from being overwhelmed by it. I get it, Nicholson gave a very good performance and cinematography was very good. That aside, I didn't see that there was much substance to the film. Can someone point to something I'm missing about this film?

Appreciate it.

[–] 8 years ago

[deleted]

[–] BobbyDupea 8 years ago

Bobby doesn't commit to living in either of the two worlds he floats through in this movie like an irritable ghost. The anxiety he experienced early in his life about living up to the expectations of others has stayed with him like a straightjacket, and he continuously runs from any situation that demands a commitment. He is doomed by himself to be a man forever on the move and never satisfied with the mediocre people, mediocre jobs, and mediocre landscapes he finds himself in as he drifts through life.

Anyone who has ever felt alienated by his/her surroundings or felt out of place among a crowd should find something to identify with in this movie. This movie very effectively portrays the claustrophohic feeling Bobby has both in his "lower-class" life and in his "higher-class" life, and the flaws and failings of both environments are outlined in perfectly modulated performances by the entire cast. The writing, as well as the acting, are superb, and it all gives us a very clear picture of Bobby's conflict, and the futility of his life.

My real name is Jeff

[–] coloradotex (769) 7 years ago

I tend to agree . It wasn't bad and I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I never considered it a classic by any means.

[–] slimone (7996) 5 years ago

Nicholson's acting was great as always, but otherwise the film didn't make much sense. The ending was like a plot hole.

[–] snepts (11123) 5 years ago

I agree this movie won't get your heart racing or bring you to tears or bring a smile to your face, but I like that it's sort of this fearless look at alienation. Some of the other people in this thread have made a very good explanation of what is going on in this film. Seems like you have to have a certain mind set to appreciate it.