The Postman Always Rings Twice
Released March 1981 Starring Jack Nicholson, Jessica Lange (as Cora), John Colicos, Michael Lerner, Christopher Lloyd, Anjelica Huston Directed by Bob Rafelson 123 min. Box office gross 12.2 million See complete credits at Internet Movie Database Trailer |
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James M. Cain’s steamy novel was first filmed in the United States in 1947 and starred Lana Turner and John Garfield. That version, although an acclaimed one, was severely hampered by the infamous Hays Code. Director Bob Rafelson and screenwriter David Mamet was determined to remake the classic with the underlying themes of sex, lust and adultery intact.
The end result was a beautifully photographed (by Sven Nykvist) and subtle period piece that effectively captured the tone of Cain’s novel. The film suffered, however, from a meandering script and a totally unnecessary sequence involving a dalliance that Nicholson’s character has with a lion tamer played by Anjelcia Huston. Most critics dismissed the film and could talk of nothing but the sex scenes, especially the infamous first one with Nicholson and Lange, on a flour-covered kitchen table.
The film did have one positive aspect - it resurrected Jessica Lange’s fleeting acting career. In fact, with this single performance, Lange went from a former has-been to an A-list actress and a serious one at that. Her portrayal of Cora Papadakis was intense, sensual, multi-layered and powerful. She was suddenly an actress who had the power to choose her next project - and it would be one that would seal her reputation as a serious actress - Frances, the life story of Frances Farmer.
The end result was a beautifully photographed (by Sven Nykvist) and subtle period piece that effectively captured the tone of Cain’s novel. The film suffered, however, from a meandering script and a totally unnecessary sequence involving a dalliance that Nicholson’s character has with a lion tamer played by Anjelcia Huston. Most critics dismissed the film and could talk of nothing but the sex scenes, especially the infamous first one with Nicholson and Lange, on a flour-covered kitchen table.
The film did have one positive aspect - it resurrected Jessica Lange’s fleeting acting career. In fact, with this single performance, Lange went from a former has-been to an A-list actress and a serious one at that. Her portrayal of Cora Papadakis was intense, sensual, multi-layered and powerful. She was suddenly an actress who had the power to choose her next project - and it would be one that would seal her reputation as a serious actress - Frances, the life story of Frances Farmer.
Critical Sampling:
"With this performance, Lange has passed from the status of minor curiosity as the heroine of Dino De Laurentis' King Kong to that of respected actress and, maybe, star" - Richard Corliss, Time
"Jessica Lange is the best reason to see the movie - she is good-sized - muscular but rounded - and with her short, curly blonde hair, a Japanese silk wrapper pulled tight and a lewd, spectacular smile, she's both separhic and steamy." - Pauline Kael, The New Yorker
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"With this performance, Lange has passed from the status of minor curiosity as the heroine of Dino De Laurentis' King Kong to that of respected actress and, maybe, star" - Richard Corliss, Time
"Jessica Lange is the best reason to see the movie - she is good-sized - muscular but rounded - and with her short, curly blonde hair, a Japanese silk wrapper pulled tight and a lewd, spectacular smile, she's both separhic and steamy." - Pauline Kael, The New Yorker
Back to Films & Television