Five Easy Pieces (1970) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Five Easy Pieces (1970) is a seminal American drama directed by Bob Rafelson and written by Carole Eastman. Starring Jack Nicholson in one of his most iconic roles, the film is a poignant exploration of personal identity, family dynamics, and the search for meaning. With a cast including Karen Black, Susan Anspach, and Ralph Waite, Five Easy Pieces is renowned for its sharp screenplay and Nicholson’s powerful performance. This review will examine the film’s plot, themes, and where to stream, rent, or purchase it online in the United States.
Plot Summary
Five Easy Pieces centers on Robert Eroica Dupea (Jack Nicholson), a disaffected pianist who has abandoned his privileged background and classical music career to live a more mundane life as an oil rig worker. The film opens with Dupea’s life in a blue-collar setting, showing his dissatisfaction and alienation from the world around him.
When Dupea learns that his estranged father is gravely ill, he reluctantly returns to his family’s home. This return forces him to confront his past, his relationships with his family, and his own identity. As he reconnects with his former life and family members, including his sister (Susan Anspach) and his father (Ralph Waite), Dupea grapples with his choices and the reasons behind his rejection of his privileged upbringing.
The film’s title refers to a series of five musical pieces that are significant in the context of Dupea’s life and his struggles with his artistic aspirations. The narrative is punctuated by moments of personal reflection and interactions that reveal the complexity of Dupea’s character and the internal conflicts he faces.
Themes and Analysis
Five Easy Pieces explores several themes through its character-driven narrative:
- Identity and Alienation: The film delves into themes of personal identity and alienation. Dupea’s rejection of his privileged background and his dissatisfaction with his current life reflect a broader search for self and meaning. His journey is marked by his struggle to reconcile his past with his present.
- Family and Reconciliation: The film examines family dynamics and the possibility of reconciliation. Dupea’s return to his family home forces him to confront unresolved issues and strained relationships. The exploration of family ties and the impact of past choices is central to the film’s emotional depth.
- Artistic Struggle: Dupea’s background as a classical pianist and his current discontent highlight the theme of artistic struggle. The film explores the conflict between artistic ambition and personal fulfillment, as well as the challenges of living up to one’s potential.
- Social Class and Expectations: The film also touches on issues of social class and societal expectations. Dupea’s rejection of his wealthy upbringing and his desire to live a more “authentic” life reflect his struggle against the constraints of social expectations and personal identity.
Bob Rafelson’s direction is marked by its focus on character development and its ability to capture the nuances of personal struggle. The film’s realistic portrayal of life and relationships contributes to its powerful and introspective narrative.
Jack Nicholson delivers a standout performance as Robert Eroica Dupea, capturing the character’s complexity and emotional depth. The supporting cast, including Karen Black as Dupea’s girlfriend and Susan Anspach as his sister, adds to the film’s richness and authenticity.
Where to Watch Five Easy Pieces Online
For those interested in watching Five Easy Pieces, there are several options available for streaming, rental, and purchase in the United States.
Streaming Services
- Hulu
- Five Easy Pieces is available for streaming on Hulu. Subscribers can watch the film at no additional cost as part of their subscription.
- Amazon Prime Video
- The film is available for streaming with an Amazon Prime subscription, though availability may vary.
Rental/Purchase Services
- Amazon Prime Video
- Five Easy Pieces can be rented or purchased on Amazon Prime Video. Renting typically costs around $3.99, while purchasing the film in HD is usually priced at $12.99.
- Apple iTunes
- The film is available for rent or purchase on Apple iTunes. Renting generally costs $3.99, and purchasing it is around $14.99.
- Google Play Movies & TV
- Google Play Movies & TV offers the film for rent or purchase. Pricing is similar to other digital platforms, providing another option for viewers.
- Vudu
- Vudu has Five Easy Pieces available for rent or purchase. The prices are comparable to other platforms, and Vudu often has promotions that may offer discounts.
- YouTube Movies
- YouTube Movies provides Five Easy Pieces for rent or purchase, with prices typically in line with other digital services.
Conclusion
Five Easy Pieces (1970) is a classic film that explores themes of identity, family, and artistic struggle with depth and nuance. With its powerful performances, particularly by Jack Nicholson, and its insightful portrayal of personal and familial conflict, the film remains a significant work in American cinema.
Available for streaming on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, and for rental or purchase on platforms like Amazon, Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies & TV, Vudu, and YouTube Movies, accessing this classic film is both convenient and straightforward. Whether you’re interested in Nicholson’s performance or the film’s exploration of existential themes, Five Easy Pieces offers a compelling and memorable cinematic experience.
