MovieChat Forums > The King of Marvin Gardens (1972) Discussion > One of the most provocative opening scen...

One of the most provocative opening scenes in film

posted 18 years ago by fivedimensionalmanifold
20 replies | jump to latest

Wow....the extended scene with David deliberately and nervously delivering his monologue in the quiet studio. And at first we only see his face, and we are not given any hints that this is a DJ at a radio station...he could be delivering this disturbing tale to anyone, at least anyone attentive enough to listen to such a quirky, rambling, disturbing story without interrupting at all. But then the close-up on Jack Nicholson's face shifts to a wider shot and the presumably important details of our protagonist's career and surroundings are obscured in the quiet chaos that the viewer experiences while trying to process the weirdness of this monologue and its possible implications for the remainder of the movie. And of course David's assistant makes us wonder even more at the weirdness of this monologue because his only reactions to it are technical ones: "Eight minutes of theme music?" I was completely transfixed by this opening scene, and it affected in a way that few other opening scenes have. I was very happy with this movie overall, but I also think that this opening scene is the high point of screenwriting and directorial ambition in the film.

[–] pjbrubak 18 years ago

I thought it was pretty good. If I remember correctly, the first indication that this is a radio monologue is the red light that comes on, reflected on Nicholson's face. Didn't much care for the film itself but I can see what you say about the opening scene.

"Life handed us a paycheck, we said 'We worked harder than this!'" - Modest Mouse

[–] civildiscussion7 18 years ago

I agree. At the very start, it felt like the ramblings of criminal confessing to the police--very disembodied.

I waited for the flashback moment--one never came, but when he motioned wildly with his arm (at first it seemed to no one) it was particularly jarring to me--i'm still not sure why.

[–] tmaj48 17 years ago

I agree--great opening scene....but the rest of the film was a total letdown.
I decided to watch the movie this weekend based on Leonard Maltin's glowing
review in his Movie Guide; usually I'm in agreement with him (he seems to be
the only other person besides me who was underwhelmed by 'Moulin Rouge')but
this time--I thought it was painfully tedious.

I'm not crying, you fool, I'm laughing!

[–] 17 years ago

[deleted]

[–] alexanderofhollywood 16 years ago

And there was little in the way of themes or morals, other than "don't run around with a bipolar, psycho-bitch who might kill you".

Yes, but that's an important lesson. If he'd only watched "The King of Marvin Gardens," Phil Hartman might still be alive today.

Yes, a great opening scene -- but only the first of many great scenes in a great movie.

So Visit Vacationland Staeblerabia! See Teddy the Wonderboy walk on glass! And never forget: Jason says and Louis knows.

[–] Hancock_the_Superb 10 years ago

This is very well-said. It's lots of disparate scenes and ideas crashing together, some good, others ridiculous. The acting was good - well, Nicholson and Dern's acting is good. Ellen Burstyn's scenery-chewing gets old pretty fast.

I'm afraid that you underestimate the number of subjects in which I take an interest!

[–] IForgotMyMantra 16 years ago

Some parts of it ARE sort of tedious. I mean, I don't think it all necessarily works -- the bit with the Japanese businessmen, for instance, and some things only really work after you've seen the thing and think back on it (for me, the Miss America scene fits this description, Ellen Burstyn's breakdowns aswell). But the mood is so compelling and the last scene really pulls it all together (for me). I think it's a movie that requires a few viewings to really absorb it all.

[–] zurichpoet 16 years ago

Sounds like something you would hear these days on pubic radio really late at night. Heard one guy not long ago melt down on the air. In a silent, hushed manner which made it all the more creepy.

The opening is slow, wandering, like the people in it.

László Kovács made this movie come alive to my eyes.

For some reason I can only watch it on VHS, a more earthy tone, flaws and all dances upon the screen.

And Bruce Dern rocks. Always.

Interview with the writer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GmVTXkl9ZE

[–] NameoftheGame 16 years ago

Thanks for the link! That video was very enjoyable to watch after having seen this mysterious, sombre film for the second time. Gave me a new perspective.

[–] zurichpoet 16 years ago

You got it!

Please tell me upon your second take on the film: what did you draw from it that you didn't on the first go around?

Second link.
And this is rare:

http://www.loftcinema.com/specialevents

That director is doing a Q&A.

Go for it. If you are near LA, I've done that LA-Tucson drive in my sleep.
The Highway Patrol had problems, but that's somethin' they got to deal with.

[–] anchorbizzoy 14 years ago

Agreed. I was mesmerized by his story too...beautiful delivery-and all on one take(which nobody had mentioned). I couldn't believe he was admitting the story on air and found him coming home to be mocked by grandpa quite humorous. I guess I'm not with most other posters when I believe this to be a beautifully tragic picture and absolutely loved it. Although I'm a self admitted sucker for 70's cinema I like to think I have some taste.
I liked seeing Nicholson play the reserved role here-how his character unravels and becomes more complex as the picture plays. I actually found all the characters to be intriguing with some nice appearances from great actors. Even though Sally was waving the gun around I did not see her shooting Jason and not in that fashion. Watching Jack(Louis) tear up in his radio show was tough. Ole Jack's not one to shed too many tears! The closing scene with Grandpa was really well done. Poetic even.

[–] LudwA 14 years ago

it seems everybody agrees, the opening scene is brilliant (i also like the pay-off with the coughing grandpa) heck, i think the first 15 minutes are great.. but the rest of the movie is a lot weaker, unfortunately.

[–] phrumpster 14 years ago

The opening scene reminded me of Jean Shepherd in one of his pensive moods. I liked the rest but it's difficult to be objective as I'm from a suburb of Philadelphia and spent a lot of time in Atlantic City . It's a great portrait of AC in the squalor of the pre-Casino days.

Poets are made by fools like me, but only God can make STD.

[–] CheshireCatsGrin 14 years ago

Really enjoyed this whole film, and based on the ratings and others opinions I didn't expect to like it. It was a great film and I really enjoyed seeing the 'old' Atlantic City.

DeeDee
Amityville Horror(1979) 6 of 10
Jesus Christ Superstar 8 of 10

[–] grampashab 14 years ago

Jack is David- DEFINITELY not Louis.

Badges? We don't need no stinking badges!

[–] jlam888 14 years ago

Oh yes, that opening scene is a stunner...And yet rarely mentioned when classic opening scenes are discussed, right? Too bad the rest of the film couldn't hold up to it.

[–] jimmy_miller 13 years ago

I actually thought it was quite a great film altogether. I like the way it all starts but it doesn't jump out the way you guys here describe it as it's completely in tone with the rest of the film and the second radio monologue at the end is better and more important. I'd urge most of you to give it a second chance and really try and stay with Nicholson's character more and get a feel for the atmosphere and what he is going through to comprehend it more. It's a very, very mysterious film that I'm only starting to unravel, don't get me even started on the female characters as I'm not a 100% on what to make of them yet.

[–] Prismark10 11 years ago

It was an impressive opening scene and so well acted and sets you up for the rest of the film.

Its that man again!!

[–] ecarle (14979) 3 years ago

The opening scene also reminds me that Jack Nicholson -- way back when in his younger years -- showed real prowess in the memorization of a speech. There are no cuts, its all him, talking(from remembered lines) for a long, long time.

This was around the time Marlon Brando started using cue card and notes taped on other actors' chests and faces.

PS. When Jack says "I need to tell you why I don't eat fish" here, his reading of the word "fish" is very cool: Feesch.

[–] 11 years ago

[deleted]