Customer Reviews

The King of Marvin Gardens

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The film opens with Nicholson in a tight shot talking to someone. We aren't sure at first to whom he's talking or why. From that opening scene I was hooked. Nicholson is a radio personality (David) who one day gets a phone call from his brother Jason (Bruce Dern) who is in jail. Jason is basically a big-time loser who has been trying all his life to make something big happen. His latest scheme is to encourage his brother to join him and his female companions (played by Ellyn Burstyn and Julia Anne Robinson) in Atlantic City while contemplating the purchase of an island near Hawaii. Many strange events happen along the way, not the least of which finds the two women competing for Jason's affection. A very strange scene occurs involving a fire on the beach. Without giving too much away, I will say that this is a turning point that has tremendous impact later in the story. So few films today have even slightly interesting characters. These characters are so vivid and interesting that you can't help but be intrigued, wondering what's going to happen next. Each scene seems to have no rhyme or reason, until finally the pieces fall into place. When the pieces do come together, you realize that you've witnessed something very unique, original, and haunting.

The four leading actors are all at the top of their form. I have never seen Nicholson timid, unsure, or at a loss for words before. Dern is hopelessly reckless. Robinson is an innocent in an evil environment. Burstyn is perfect as the key to the whole story, which is one that I'll never forget. You'll think about this quiet little film long after the credits are over.

This film really is spectacular. From the very opening(which is slightly disorienting-but becomes clear quickly), it weaves a tale filled with some very odd and fascinating characters. Nicholson plays a radio deejay of sorts that spouts some fictionalized, but engrossingly told tales. The story itself deals with his visit to his brother-played by Bruce Dern, who he must attempt to talk out of some financial scheming. Dern turns in a fine performance-comparable to his performance in SMILE(very different characters, both great performances). Ellen Burstyn is also terrific. Photography by Laszlo Kovacs ranks up with his best. A welcome follow-up to Rafelson's FIVE EASY PIECES(a follow-up that doesn't get the press it deserves). Looks beautiful on dvd!

"The King of Marvin Gardens" is an example of why the seventies was such a golden period in American filmmaking in that studios as well as stars would take a chance on offbeat material regardless of it's box office potential. Director Bob Rafelson creates a haunting story of disparate souls who cling to hopes that are as faded as the Atlantic City facade they inhabit. Jack Nicholson effectively plays against type as a radio personality who joins up with his brother(Bruce Dern) to partake in his latest get-rich-quick scheme that has all the earmarks of going up in flames. They are joined by Ellen Burstyn as a faded beauty queen who's along for the ride in the futile hope of attaining a dream. This film is not easy to watch at times but the more ambitious viewer can appreciate filmmaking that dares to challenge it's audience. Gorgeous cinematography of the Atlantic City landscape before the casinos were erected.

If you are looking for a film that has no "fx" and also no "over the top" Jack Nicholson ,try " King of Marvin Gardens" You can see glimpses of pre casino " Atlantic City". Along with Bruce Dern, as Nicholson,s brother, this film examines just how disconnected from reality certain "apparently mainstream" folks are. Ellen Burstyn delivers a haunting performance. Unlike many films of today, this film has a real script and devilishly good acting..involving a very downbeat subject.

This movie has one the best performances by Jack Nicholson and proves that acting is more about being true to life than acting like you want to be noticed; that along with Bruce Dern's outstanding performance, playing Nicholson's brother, is what makes this film tick.
Yes, it is not a fast movie.
But the outstanding cinematography of of Laslo Kovaks working off the assured direction of Bob Rafelson makes this movie a gem.
I've never seen a movie that accurately portrays the dementia of the lower end of the middle class so well, as it does so without making them drunks or drug addicts which most people need to see, to understand how delusional these people are.
What a film.

There once was a space in Hollywood for small, carefully crafted films that raised intelligent questions about existence. This is one of the best such films I know, and it's too well-kept a secret. Another top-twenty pick from the weird, bossy lady hangin' in the video store.

This plays like a European art film, with slow action, moody sets, depressive topics and thoughtful acting. This 1972 Jack Nicholson movie came out when he was getting hot after "Easy Rider" and "Five Easy Pieces." The director, Bob Rafaelson, was one leader of a new American cinema movement. I doubt this was much of a hit, but it remains a gem in the filmographies of all concerned. The Atlantic City shot here is gone now, replaced by casinos. The deserted boardwalk, empty grand old hotels and junky stores are captured for eternity. The plot is a family drama. You are never sure who is the craziest one here. It could be any or all of them. Very slow moving story line, but it raises questions and makes you think more than the average Hollywood movie, then and now.

A over looked classic, all the cast act their socks off. Nicholson particularly is understated and so more effective. Failed dreams portrayed in a most moving fashion.

Against the struggled reality: evasive dreams!
Two brothers share a same dream; to live in an island paradise where they will both kings once they have retired; one of them is a bewildered man product of the inscrutable fate, the other the great swagger, the unexhausted dream machine who certainly swears he is a small entrepreneur. The long late night radio monologue is the standout of the film.

Jack is a neighbor of mine Im 1 mile from Neptune NJ so I have looked up to Jack like my classic rock interest. He's like a actor of that genre. From his screen plays of The Trip to his first great performance with Easy Rider to The Shining all of his films of the 1970's are like the Led Zeppelin catalog. Then The postman was made and I shifted a little I didn't like his films as much. By the time he made Batman or more like Hoffa Im like my idol is making crap. Money makers very little substance and thats what the 70's films had substance. I think since The Bucket he's retired which might be the case. A death movie. My idol got old and doesn't look good on screen. I feel bad to say this but Ironweed was the best film he made in the last 30 years and maybe Two Jacks. The one with him with OCD wasn't bad but the rest he's a wolf the devil the joker ... just watch each film from Easy to Kubrick's and throw The Border as a plus. But Prizzi's no... that 1985 bore no...
1990's film so so 2000's whatever see what I mean what went wrong. 1970 to 1975/76 really definitive Jack then his director film and Shining and that's where The Genius actor creative innovator awesome man stopped.
The Films
Easy Rider
Five easy pieces
Carnal Knowledge
The King of Marvin Gardens!!!!!!!!!!
The Last Detail
ChinaTown/Two Jakes
The Passenger
One Flew Over the Cuckoos next
The Missouri Breaks
The Fortune
Goin South
The Shining
Ironweed
As good as it gets

and then the others Witches Batman Wolf pretty Cool not bad...co star films not bad like Terms...Something's got to give...Schmidt Pledge good Few good men alright...

Hoffa no...Prizzi's no....Blood and Wine no..... Anger management no.... Bucket list hmm no.... Departed ehhh.....crossing guard cant remember...Heartburn noooooo....Man trouble Ellen's hot...Mars attack God sigh