Customer Reviews

Jack Nicholson: The Complete Film Guide

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Not half as informative as it should be, this is a heavily opinionated look at Nicholson's films over the years. The early info is especially welcome-- who's seen more than a few of his works from before "Easy Rider"? The scholarship is desultory, though, and Shiach seems to think a few flip comments about a film's worth-- or lack of same-- is sufficient. Even when I agreed with some of his frequent snark, I felt it was unfair to either the filmmaker or to Jack. If approached as a highly personal look at Nicholson's films and not as a work of dispassionate scholarship, this can be amusing, if frustrating, reading.

As mentioned in previous review, the author of this book is seemingly more interested in his own rather arrogant reviews than providing you information on the career of Jack Nicholson. It doesn't help that said author is clearly contemptuous of the "Jack" persona which, frankly, is what much of Nicholson's fan base is built around.

Additionally, for someone who wrote a book about an actor's entire filmography, there's very few films the writer actually likes. After a slobbering review of "Chinatown", which can have a strong case put against it for pacing and plot clarity, the book seemingly hunts for things to dislike about even revered films like "Cuckoo's Nest".

In fact, for some films, such as "The Shining", the book compliments the movies but cites Nicholson's performance as their only faults. Presumably people who buy this book are fans, and fans typically don't like to hear, "This would be a better movie if it wasn't for that actor you like so much."

If you don't like anything Jack Nicholson made after 1974, this book is for you. If not, stay away.