Jack Nicholson: The King of Marvin Gardens - Movie

The King of Marvin Gardens
Cast :	Jack Nicholson, Bruce Dern
Director :	Bob Rafelson
Studio :	Columbia/Tristar Studios
Format :	Color, Closed-captioned, Widescreen
Released Date :	October 12, 1972
DVD Released Date :	April 25, 2000
Language :	English (Dubbed), English (Subtitled), Portuguese (Subtitled), English (Original Language), Spanish (Original Language), Thai (Subtitled), Korean (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled)
Audience Rating :	R (Restricted)
	BUY THIS DVD FROM AMAZON

Customer Reviews

Rating
Date	May 04, 2005
Summary	Great Film. Dern Rocks.
Content	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.

Rating
Date	February 15, 2005
Summary	Interesting Character Study From the 70's
Content	"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.

Rating
Date	August 07, 2004
Summary	What was the point?
Content	I remember seeing this film as a kid and thinking to myself, maybe when I'm older I'll understand the signifigance of this movie. But 29 years later I'm even more confused as to why this film was made. "King of Marvin Gardens" took me a record-breaking four sittings to watch because I kept falling asleep. Don't get me wrong. I appreciate a thoughtful, well-written, well-acted human interest story--but where was the human interest in this flick?? Why am I supposed to be interested in these characters?? Interesting characters don't have to be nice and heroic, but they certainly have to be compelling! I think after the tremendous success of "Five Easy Pieces" (deservedly so), that genre of anti-story must have been all the vogue in cinema during the mid-1970s. With the exception of the last 10 minutes you have an absolutely flatliner of a film here. Movies of that period, like "Fat City" and "Scarecrow" do a much more effective job of conveying the dire banality of real life. Although the packaging and presentation for the "King of Marvin Garden" DVD was flawless.

Rating
Date	September 04, 2000
Summary	A Rare Gem-Amazing!
Content	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!

Rating
Date	September 01, 2000
Summary	The Best Nicholson Film You've Never Seen
Content	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.

SuperiorPics.com © 2009