MovieChat Forums > Some Came Running (1958) Discussion > Predecessor to Five Easy Pieces

Predecessor to Five Easy Pieces

posted 13 years ago by dhmason6155
5 replies | jump to latest

Many similarities, and obviously the theme had relevance ten years later, in the counterculture era: Wayward, rebellious, tormented, "prodigal" son, who is a creative artist, returns to upper class family that he despises. Conflict with older brother. In spite of his attitude, doesn't fit into the working class world, but has a pal from that world. Loves and pursues an educated, sophisticated woman who rejects him. Ends up with a common, lower class woman who he despises but who loves HIM. Ultimately ends up alone.

Unc John "We makin' trouble?"
Stacy "Yeah"
Unc John "What kind?"
Stacy "...The forever kind"

[–] dannieboy20906 11 years ago

The big difference is the motivation.

James Jones wrote the novel that was a basis for this movie about his alienation from society because he had been through the war, and society had not. Jack Nicholson's character was a failed or burned out concert pianist who could not howl down a normal job and couldn't adjust.

[–] PussyCrusher_Principal 11 years ago

Martha Hyer even mentions how working many jobs helped him as a writer. One of those jobs was in an oil field. Just
Ike Bobby dupea.

"It is hard to be a man of peace. It would be so pleasant to kill Mr. Weddle." - Massai, 'Apache'

[–] dhmason6155 10 years ago

Thanks. The war is a big difference, although alienation from society is still the constant theme. I've worked many jobs, and sometimes I regret it, although each job has given me a gift in one way or another.

We got a job.
What kind?
...The Forever Kind.

[–] liscarkat (18410) a year ago

I've worked many jobs, too. Most of them were a pain in the ass I'd rather have avoided.

[–] 10 years ago

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