Jack Nicholson, recognized as a cinematic legend, has collaborated with some of the most acclaimed filmmakers throughout his career, including Stanley Kubrick, John Huston, Martin Scorsese, and Rob Reiner. However, the director he worked with most frequently over nearly three decades was Bob Rafelson, a name that might not be as widely known to the general public. Their partnership began in 1968 with the film Head, a psychedelic project led by The Monkees attempting to capture the success of The Beatles on the big screen.
From Cult Failure to Critical Recognition
Although Head failed commercially and critically, Nicholson and Rafelson’s collaboration quickly found more success with Five Easy Pieces. This film marked Nicholson’s first nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor and solidified their creative alliance. Over the years, they made six movies together, each varying in critical and box office reception. Despite their achievements, not all their joint projects were acclaimed or profitable, leading to debates about Rafelson’s viability as a director in Hollywood.
Jack Nicholson’s Defense of The Postman Always Rings Twice
During an interview with Film Comment, Nicholson addressed criticisms aimed at Bob Rafelson by highlighting one of their most contested films, The Postman Always Rings Twice. Released in 1981, this movie marked the first screenplay by playwright David Mamet and was the fourth adaptation of James M. Cain’s famous novel. Nicholson played a drifter who finds himself employed at a Los Angeles diner, where he becomes involved with Cora, the wife of the wealthy diner owner, Nick. Together, they plot to kill Nick to claim his fortune and escape their circumstances.
Despite the film’s star power and notable creative pedigree, it was initially dismissed by critics for lacking originality. Famous actress Lana Turner, who starred in the 1946 version, condemned the 1981 remake as pornographic trash and refused to watch it. However, Nicholson challenged the perception that the film failed commercially. He emphasized,
If you ran a question through this industry about The Postman Always Rings Twice, most people would surmise that it wasn’t successful, That is not true. I know it made money, because I received overages, so it must’ve grossed about as much as Chinatown and much more than Carnal Knowledge. But people are anxious to disqualify it.
– Jack Nicholson, Actor
Financial Success Despite Mixed Reviews
With a production budget of $12 million (equivalent to $42.5 million in 2026 dollars), The Postman Always Rings Twice earned $44.2 million at the box office, translating to roughly $156.5 million today. Given the standard industry rule that a movie must double its budget to turn a profit, the film proved financially successful. Over time, critics also softened their stance on the movie, recognizing its merits beyond initial reviews. This progression suggests that the film ultimately earned its place as a notable part of Nicholson and Rafelson’s joint legacy.
The Enduring Impact of a Creative Collaboration
While Nicholson and Rafelson did not always see eye to eye, their professional relationship was marked by mutual respect and loyalty. They continued to create films together, producing two additional movies before Rafelson died in 2022 at age 89. This enduring partnership contributed significantly to both men’s careers and left a lasting mark on American cinema. Nicholson’s defense of The Postman Always Rings Twice reinforces the importance of revisiting films that may have been unfairly judged and appreciating the complexities behind successful collaborations in Hollywood.
