Initially available as part of the America Lost and Found: The BBS Story box set in 2010, Criterion has now made Bob Rafelson’s Five Easy Pieces available as a standalone release. For those that either couldn’t afford the pricey box, or didn’t want every film in it, it’s nice to see the individual titles being broken out. Anyway, Jack Nicholson, fresh off his star making role in Easy Rider, plays the central character, gruff, California oil rig worker, Bobby Dupea. He appears to be wandering through life, and does all he can to avoid real, emotional connection. All of this goes a long way in hiding the fact that he’s actually a classically trained pianist from a wealthy family.

Dupea has himself a beautiful, yet ditzy girlfriend, waitress Rayette Dipesto (Karen Black) who loves sex, and crying on his shoulder. Though he’s clearly in this situation by choice, he has no real sense of commitment to his girlfriend, and his contempt for his blue-collar colleagues and his work is simmering just under the surface. Dupea is an unlikable guy. When his work and frequent drinking buddy Elton (Billy Green Bush) is hauled off to jail, he reacts with little more than a shrug. Far worse, when he learns that Rayette is pregnant with his child, he is oblivious to his responsibility. Bobby is a guy living in his own world, concerned only about his own needs.

Informed by his sister that that his father is seriously ill, Bobby heads back to the family home in Washington. Though Rayette comes with him, Bobby from meeting and having sex with other women along the way. He also has a memorable confrontation with a prickly waitress (Lorna Thayer) over chicken salad.

Leaving Rayette at a motel, Bobby heads to the family home. He finds the same suffocating, elite upper-class atmosphere he left years before, with his brother Carl (Ralph Waite), his slightly odd sister Partita (Lois Smith), and his quiet, sickly Nicholas (William Challee). In stark contrast to all of them, the beautiful Catherine Van Oost (Susan Anspach) a talented pianist, engaged to Carl. Haunted by the music that dominated his past and drawn to her sophisticated beauty, Bobby begins a passionate affair with her that they both know won’t last. Again, Bobby is simply doing what feels good in the moment.

The film’s ultimate conclusion is what makes it a stunner. I should warm you now, if you haven’t seen the movie, there are spoilers ahead. Bobby’s has a little bit of a heart to heart with his old man. Nicolas has had two strokes, so it’s possible he can’t even here him. Bobby talks about how he moves round a lot, “getting away from things that get bad if I stay,” and we can basically see the writing on the wall. Even so, we’re hardly prepared for Bobby to simply leave Rayette at a gas station in the middle of nowhere! That’s absolutely brutal. While Bobby looks sad, and confused, it’s hard to believe there’s anything redeemable about him if he can leave a pregmant woman like that.

Five Easy Pieces represents Jack Nicholson at his best. Bobby Dupea is a complex and unlikable character through and through. Unlike most of the roles he played in the 1990’s and beyond, his character never redeems himself or evokes sympathy. The supporting cast—which includes appearances from Sally Struthers (All in the Family), and Toni Basil (one hit wonder with “Mickey”)—does a fine job accentuating Bobby’s dissatisfaction with life.

This release has been sourced from the same 4K restoration that was accessed when the America Lost and Found: The BBS Story box set was prepared. Presented in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, this 1080p transfer looks wonderful. Close-ups and larger shots show tremendous fluidity and clarity, while colors are well saturated. Grain is even distributed, and no DNR is apparent. Image stability is excellent, and flesh tones look natural. There are no scratches, dust, or other issues that mar the viewing experience.

The English LPCM 1.0 audio track serves the film rather well. While dynamics are a bit limited, this is to be expected, given the film’s age. The score, dialogue, and effects come through clearly and cleanly throughout.

English SDH subtitles are included.

The following extras are available:

  • Audio Commentary with Director Bob Rafelson and Interior Designer Toby Rafelson: Both recorded individual running, screen-specific tracks that were edited into this single track. They discuss set design, cast, performances, and the overall shoot. While not particularly exciting, the track is informative.
  • Bob Rafelson at the AFI (HD, 49:23) Recorded on May 19, 1976, Rafelson discusses his work, and the legacy of BBS.
  • Soul Searching in Five Easy Pieces (HD, 9:08) Recorded in 2009, Rafelson discusses various technical aspects of the film. Also included are clips from an interview with Jack Nicholson.
  • BBStory (HD, 46:35) Produced in 2009, this documentary features Rafelson, Peter Bogdanovich, Jack Nicholson, Karen Black, Ellen Burstyn, and Peter Bogdanovich among others discussing BBS’ origins and the creation of various films starting with 1968’s Head and finishing with 1972’s King of Marvin Gardens.
  • BBS: A Time for Change (HD, 27:38) Filmed in 2010, critic David Thompson and others examine the era in which BBS flourished, and offer some theories as to why.
  • Two Teasers (HD)
  • Trailer (HD)
  • Leaflet: An illustrated leaflet featuring an essay by critic Ken Jones.