We choose our top 5 essential Jack Nicholson movies that you absolutely have to check out!
A diverse actor who’s facial expressions can tell a million stories.
An actor unrivalled in his field and a man of experience at both ends of the spectrum with low budget and high budget movies under his belt.
Now firmly retired until a project entices him out (crossed fingers) he has an impressive number of titles under his belt but here are just 5 that we absolutely think you need to check out!
The Shining
A film that was recently included in a most confusing films of all time list which has boggled my mind ever since it was published.
The Shining is one of the most raw, intense and thought provoking horror movies of all time.
Stanley Kubrick came all so close to making a perfect movie!
Utterly engrossing from start to finish we see Jack Torrence (Jack Nicholson) unravelling at the seams in his chilling and eerie hotel.
From the beautiful colour palette to the deepest levels of method crazy that Jack Nicholson had to dive to during production it is a must watch!
Panned by critics upon release it has gained a following over the years and is considered one of the most iconic horror movies of all time.
Batman
Tim Burton’s Batman set the benchmark for what a comic book movie should be.
Taking a more cartoon style compared to that of past and previous instalments Batman would set the bench mark for what a comic book movie should be.
Jack Nicholson transcended in his role as the Joker and certainly has the more goofy and comic-style vibe of the character rather than the sinister versions that have come thereafter.
It’s a fun movie, outlandish, crazy and splattered with cartoony charisma and colour.
The Departed
Martin Scorsese really delivered with this one and with a star-studded line up such as this Nicholson still managed to outshine the lot of them.
Leo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Ray Winstone, Martin Sheen, Alec Baldwin and Mark Wahlberg were no match for Nicholson’s delivery.
Complete unpredictable and something completely out of the box this is a film that not only was conquered by Nicholson but bagged Scorsese an Oscar.
Easy Rider
Speaking of independent movies that Jack Nicholson was involved in, here’s Easy Rider.
Dennis Hopper’s road trip movie went onto become a global phenomenon.
A young Jack Nicholson was nominated for an Oscar in this role for the first time and went onto be nominated for 11 more Oscars (winning 3) becoming the most nominated male actor in Academy Awards history.
Something’s Gotta Give
Utilising his comedic chops this certainly may come as a strange choice to many of you but this is a movie I absolutely adore.
It’s one of those perfect Sunday evening features where you can lay back and just enjoy this beautiful dynamic of comedy and love story.
The story revolves around Harry (Nicholson) who refuses to accept his age and is still living out his youth in true Casanova style.
His chance meeting with Erica (Diane Keaton) who is the polar opposite of Harry comes with hilarious and endearing consequences.
This was a role that allowed Nicholson to be vulnerable whilst delivering some hearty laughs, a must watch in my eyes!
So that’s just five of our essential Jack Nicholson movies.
How many more can you think of?
