The Top 10 Nicholson Performances
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Written by: Ryan McNally
Jack Nicholson is one of the most acclaimed actors of the modern era. In a career that has spanned five decades, Nicholson has racked up a record-tying 12 Oscar nominations (and won three times). With a 13th Oscar nomination for About Schmidt unquestionably forthcoming, Film Frat takes this opportunity to reflect on Jack Nicholson's 10 finest performances. |
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| 1. |
Easy Rider (1969)
Nicholson scored his first Oscar nomination (Best Supporting) in this counter-culture classic. As a lawyer who Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper stumble across during their travels, Nicholson has several hilarious scenes. And the image of Nicholson riding on a motorcycle while wearing a football helmet is one for the ages. |
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| 2. |
Five Easy Pieces (1970)
Nicholson's electric performance as a once-talented musician working on the oil rigs brought him his first Oscar nomination in a leading role. The scene in which Nicholson attempts in vain to order toast (via a chicken salad sandwich) from a pain-in-the-ass waitress is a deserving classic. "You want me to hold the chicken?" asks the waitress. "I want you to hold it between your knees," Nicholson concludes. |
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| 3. |
The Last Detail (1973)
Nicholson stars as one of two sailors ordered to take a young, naive sailor (Randy Quaid in an Oscar-nominated turn) from Virginia to a New Hampshire brig, where he'll serve eight years for a relatively minor offense. The street-smart Nicholson and his partner decide to show Quaid a good time en route, and director Hal Ashby and his cast ensure that the audience enjoys themself as well. |
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| 4. |
Chinatown (1974)
As world-weary private detective Jake Gittes, Nicholson delivers one of his richest performances. Often hilarious and, in the end, devastating, Nicholson's performance has it all. The twisty film itself, directed by Roman Polanski, is an all-time great and features what many consider to be the finest screenplay ever written. |
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| 5. |
One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
Nicholson won his first Oscar for his specutacular performance as a mental inmate rallying against the stifling conformity of the system. Directed by Milos Forman based on the classic novel by Ken Kesey, this film is one of only three to claim Oscars for Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress and Screenplay. |
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| 6. |
The Shining (1980)
Heeeeeere's Johhnnnny! At once deliriously over-the-top, petrifying and brilliant, Nicholson's portrayal of a man slowly going insane is of the best in the horror genre. Based on a Stephen King novel and directed by the legendary Stanley Kubrick, this is one of the most frightening movies you'll see. |
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| 7. |
Terms Of Endearment (1983)
Although the heart of this film is the mother-daughter interaction between actresses Shirley MacClaine and Debra Winger, Nicholson shines as an astronaut/next-door neighbor to MacClaine in a role that won him his second Oscar, this time for Best Supporting Actor . | |
| 8. |
A Few Good Men (1992)
As a powerful and egotistical general, Oscar nominee Nicholson steals every scene he's in, whether cutting down Demi Moore or mocking Tom Cruise: "You see Danny, I can deal with the bullets and the bombs and the blood. I don't want money, and I don't want medals. What I do want is for you to stand there in that faggotty white uniform and with your Harvard mouth extend me some fucking courtesy." |
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| 9. |
As Good As It Gets (1997)
Nicholson scored his third Oscar for his performance as a neurotic writer battling his demons and falling in love. Playing off other talented actors such as Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear and Cuba Gooding Jr., Nicholson helps create a number of amusing and poignant scenes. |
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| 10. |
About Schmidt (2002)
In his finest leading performance in more than 25 years, Nicholson eschews his usual larger-than-life persona to play a "small man." Alternately funny and sad, and in the end profoundly moving, this is truly brilliant acting. An outstanding supporting cast and Alexander Payne's excellent writing and direction make this one of 2002's best. |
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| Bonus! |
Batman (1989)
As the villanous Joker, Nicholson delivers a deliciously entertaining performance. Prancing around and cracking wise, Nicholson's Joker is a primary reason why many fans consider the first Batman film (directed by Tim Burton) to be by far the best of the series.Honorable mention: Carnal Knowledge (1971), Reds (1981), Prizzi's Honor (1985), Ironweed (1988), Hoffa (1992). Don't forget to check out Film Frat's Jack Nicholson Top 10 poster store. For buying info on any of the Top 10 Nicholson films, click on the images above. Did we overlook your favorite Nicholson flick? Drop us a line and tell us which selections you agreed with, and which classic Nicholson you think we missed. |
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