Not many actors in Hollywood have earned recognition of Jack Nicholson. Following recognition during the 1970’s, Nicholson has become an icon in the film industry. Whether it’s mentally ill patients in institutions, shining killers or menacing mobsters, Nicholson has portrayed several memorable characters. Given the sheer number of classic movies the actor has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my personal picks for the best movies made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
When it comes to the best movies ever made about mental health, it’s worth discussing “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. Released in 1975, Milos Forman’s Oscar-winning movie was one of the first films to portray mental health on the big-screen. With its timely themes, engaging storytelling and phenomenal performances, the film has stood the test of time as a classic. One of the major reasons why the film is widely regarded a classic today is because of Jack Nicholson. In arguably the greatest role of his career, Nicholson transforms into a psychotic patient at a mental institution with a heavy burden to bear. It isn’t easy to portray a psychotic patient in an institution, but Nicholson succeeds tremendously. Whether he’s arguing with Nurse Ratched or inspiring patients in the institution, Nicholson effectively uses his voice to create a character that’s compelling. Ultimately, what makes “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” Nicholson’s greatest movie is its message about mental health. The film delivers a strong message that would resonate with everyone facing mental health issues at an early age. As someone suffering from mental health issues, I’ve always identified with the film’s message. Nearly 50 years after the release of a classic film about psychotic patients that lie over the cuckoo’s nest, it’s a captivating reminder about one of the world’s best actors that excels at playing characters that are stressed whose movies leave audiences impressed.
2. The Shining
Horror movies have never been my cup of tea. Over the past decade, the horror movie genre has experienced a decline quality. With their cheap jump scares, cartoonish characters and poor storytelling, most horror movies have become a chore to sit through. However, “The Shining” is a shining exception. Released in 1980, Stanley Kubrick’s iconic movie forever changed the horror genre through its depiction of family trauma. In the most villainous role of his career, Jack Nicholson embodies the caretaker of an overlooked hotel that faces despair. Nicholson effectively uses his commanding voice to create a frightening character driven to the brink of insanity in an isolated hotel. It’s a role that gives the actor an opportunity to showcase his aptitude for commanding the screen through his powerful voice. For instance, the iconic “Here’s Johnny!” sequence in which Jack attacks his wife and child with an axe is the greatest scene of the actor’s entire career. Ultimately, what makes “The Shining” a masterpiece is its meaningful message. Unlike most horror movies, the film delivers a strong message in addition to offering scares. It delivers a meaningful message about the dangers posed by isolation with which everyone can engage. A frightening depiction of hardships isolated families in overlooked hotels are experiencing, it’s a shining reminder of an actor that thrives playing conflicted characters whose movies are worth celebrating.
3. The Departed
Jack Nicholson is one of those actors that has always been talented at playing characters that are psychopathic. With his maniacal grin, twisted expressions and dark sense of humour, the actor has always excelled at playing crazy characters on the brink of insanity. Nicholson’s strength for playing twisted characters whose souls are departed is evident in his Oscar-winning film “The Departed”. Released in 2006, Martin Scorsese’s movie found the actor playing a menacing mobster engaging in criminal activities. In the most maniacal role of his career, Nicholson embodies a mobster with a sense of authority whose mere presence evokes fear. It’s a meaty role that gives the actor an opportunity to showcase his aptitude for playing psychopathic characters through his commanding voice. The actor chews up the scenery by using his voice to create a mobster with authority. For instance, the scene in which Frank Costello declares that he notices a rat in the mob showcases the actor’s strength for using his voice to create authority. As Frank Costello, Nicholson creates a formidable gangster. Nearly 20 years after the release of a celebrated film about crimes conflicted gangsters have committed, it’s a riveting reminder of a legendary actor that hasn’t lost his capabilities to leave audiences captivated whose movies definitely deserve to be appreciated.
4. A Few Good Men
It isn’t easy to make an effective courtroom drama. Making a courtroom drama often poses certain challenges for actors. Actors are often required to deliver challenging monologues without much preparation that can be exhausting. However, Jack Nicholson pulled it off successfully when he made his movie “A Few Good Men”. Released in 1992, Rob Reiner’s movie found the actor playing an army commander with a pessimistic point-of-view. In the most unlikeable role of his career, Nicholson embodies a corrupt army general that abuses his power to commit crimes in Guantanamo Bay. Nicholson has always had a way with words, and his strength for delivering rousing monologues is clearly evident in the movie. For instance, the iconic scene where Colonel Jessup screams at the top of his lungs that lawyers can’t handle the truth has become one of the greatest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “A Few Good Men” a commemorated film is its message. The film delivers a powerful message about justice in courtroom cases. As powerful as Colonel Jessup’s declaration that lawyers can’t handle the truth about Guantanamo Bay, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that thrives when he’s given opportunities to play complex characters that aren’t likeable whose timeless movies deserve to be treasured today.
5. Chinatown
Few films ever made about detectives investigating a town are as beloved as “Chinatown”. Ever since its release in 1974, Roman Polanski’s movie has stood the test of time as a classic audiences adore. One of the major reasons why “Chinatown” has gained a golden reputation is because of Jack Nicholson. In one of his most iconic roles, Nicholson captures the pessimistic perspective of a detective investigating a town that’s destructive. Nicholson uses expressions to capture a detective investigating a corrupt town teeming with violence. “Chinatown” has one of the most iconic ending scenes of all-time. During this unforgettable scene, Jake is informed by police officers that he can’t do anything about the injustice of Chinatown. Arguably, the main reason why the scene works so well is because of Jack Nicholson’s performance. He excels at communicating Jake’s emotions of bewilderment through strong expressions rather than words. It’s a phenomenal performance that showcases the actor at the top of his game. Nearly 50 years following the release of a film about detectives investigating crimes in a corrupt town, it’s a captivating reminder of an actor that excels at playing characters whose lives are turned upside down in movies audiences forever crown.
6. Batman
When it comes to the most iconic villains in popular culture, it’s worth discussing the Joker. Ever since his introduction during the 1940’s, the Joker has appeared in several memorable movies. Each and every actor has offered a fresh interpretation of the iconic supervillain. In 1989, Nicholson did an extraordinary job of portraying the celebrated comic-book villain in his film “Batman”. In his first comic-book role, Nicholson embodies an iconic supervillain behaving in ways that are manic. With his twisted grin, psychopathic laugh and clownish makeup, Nicholson created a memorable version of the Joker. While Heath Ledger remains my favourite Joker, Nicholson offered a fresh take on the character I will forever remember. A captivating tribute towards a comic-book villain that changed the world forever, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that succeeds playing villainous characters drawn towards grave danger in movies audiences treasure.
7. As Good As it Gets
OCD is a debilitating disease rarely depicted in movies accurately. Hollywood has struggled to tell stories about a mental illness that’s misunderstood. As someone with OCD, I have often believed movies have rarely captured the disease accurately. However, “As Good as it Gets” is a good exception. Released in 1997, James L. Brooks’ iconic movie painted a powerful portrait of a mental illness that’s true to reality. In the most comical role of his career, Nicholson embodies the personality of a man suffering from a case of OCD that’s severe. A powerful portrait of a debilitating mental illness causing lives of seniors which are rarely as good as it gets to deteriorate, it’s a strong reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to captivate audiences by playing commemorated characters in timeless films that are hard to not appreciate.
8. About Schmidt
Aging is a painful process causing seniors to face stress. As far back as I remember, I’ve always shared a bond with my grandfather. However, aging brought our bond to a closure. After he reached an age of retirement, our relationship became distant. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured painful consequences of aging as powerfully as “About Schmidt”. Released in 2002, Alexander Payne’s movie did a great job of capturing hardships aging seniors go through. In the most emotional role of his career, Jack Nicholson embodies a grumpy aging man fearing his death is near. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him: emotional, vulnerable and sensitive in his most complex role. A poignant portrait of hardships seniors face after reaching an old age, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor whose films haven’t lost abilities to engage.
9. Terms of Endearment
Stories of dysfunctional families have often made for engaging movies. Audiences have always been drawn towards stories of ordinary people facing obstacles that are painful. The main reason why these films are successful is because they feature characters that are relatable. In terms of the greatest movies ever made about dysfunctional families, it’s worth discussing “Terms of Endearment”. Released in 1983, James L. Brooks’ film captured the dynamics of a dysfunctional family torn apart by tragedy. In his most realistic career role, Nicholson captures a lover engaging in a affair. A dazzling depiction of dysfunctional families held together by strong terms of endearment, it’s a commemorated reminder of an actor with commitment to playing characters harbouring resentment that has become an icon in the world of entertainment.
10. The Bucket List
Terminal illness is a sensitive topic rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often struggled to tell compelling stories about mental illness. However, in 2007 Jack Nicholson pulled it off when he made his film “The Bucket List”. A captivating comedy, it tackled the sensitive subject of terminal illness with a sense of humour. In his most emotional role, Nicholson embodies the bright spirit of a man seeking to live life to the fullest before his kicks the bucket. Working alongside Morgan Freeman who is also excellent, Nicholson captures the personality of a man with terminal illness creating a bucket list of things to do before dying. As precious as bucket lists of things Edward plans to do, it’s a powerful reminder of an actor that hasn’t lost abilities to captivate audiences by playing complex characters in timeless movies I will forever value.
The Film Buff 