Having scored a triumph with "Five Easy Pieces", Bob Rafelson and Jack Nicholson reunited for "The King of Marvin Gardens", a convoluted look at tension in Atlantic City. Nicholson is noticeably more subdued here than he was in "FEP" - meaning no "stick it between your knees" scene - but still does a good job, as a Philadelphia DJ summoned by his brother (Bruce Dern) to help with a scheme. Also starring is Ellen Burstyn; I'm still trying to figure out the meaning of that scene where she cuts her hair.
All in all, "TKOMG" isn't any kind of masterpiece, but worth seeing. Sort of a precursor to Louis Malle's "Atlantic City", the movie truly gives one the feeling of urban decay. Jack Nicholson sure looks strange wearing glasses. Also starring Scatman Crothers, a few years before he and Nicholson horrifically co-starred in "The Shining".
All in all, "TKOMG" isn't any kind of masterpiece, but worth seeing. Sort of a precursor to Louis Malle's "Atlantic City", the movie truly gives one the feeling of urban decay. Jack Nicholson sure looks strange wearing glasses. Also starring Scatman Crothers, a few years before he and Nicholson horrifically co-starred in "The Shining".