The Postman Always Rings Twice
The Movie
The Postman Always Rings Twice is a 1981 neo-noir film directed by Bob Rafelson and starring Jack Nicholson and Jessica Lange. The film is based on the 1934 novel of the same name by James M. Cain and is the second adaptation of the novel, following the 1946 film of the same name.
The story is set in a roadside diner in rural California during the Great Depression. Frank Chambers (Jack Nicholson) is a drifter who stops at the diner and meets Cora Papadakis (Jessica Lange), the wife of the diner’s owner Nick (John Colicos). Frank and Cora quickly begin a passionate affair, and they hatch a plan to murder Nick so they can be together and run the diner themselves.
The film is a slow-burning tale of lust, greed, and betrayal, and it’s masterfully directed by Bob Rafelson. The pacing of the film is deliberate, and the tension between the characters is palpable. The film’s cinematography is also excellent, with a moody and atmospheric look that perfectly captures the bleakness of the Depression-era setting.
One of the strengths of The Postman Always Rings Twice is the chemistry between Jack Nicholson and Jessica Lange. Their characters are both flawed and complex, and their attraction to each other is both intense and destructive. Nicholson’s performance is typically excellent, and he imbues Frank with a rough-edged charm that makes him both likable and dangerous. Lange is equally impressive as Cora, bringing a vulnerability and sensuality to the role that makes her character’s descent into darkness all the more tragic.
The supporting cast is also excellent, with John Colicos giving a strong performance as Nick, the jealous and abusive husband who becomes the couple’s target. Anjelica Huston also appears in a small but memorable role as Nick’s mistress, who becomes entangled in the couple’s schemes.
The film’s themes of lust, greed, and betrayal are timeless, and they’re explored with depth and nuance. The film raises interesting questions about the nature of desire and the lengths people will go to get what they want. The ending is also appropriately bleak, with the couple’s dreams of a new life shattered by their own greed and mistrust.
While The Postman Always Rings Twice is a dark and sometimes disturbing film, it’s also a compelling and thought-provoking one. The film’s exploration of human nature and the consequences of our actions is both timeless and universal, and it’s a testament to the power of cinema to tell complex and emotionally resonant stories.
The Cast
- Jack Nicholson – Frank Chambers
- Jessica Lange – Cora Smith/Papadakis
- John Colicos – Nick Papadakis
- Michael Lerner – Mr. Katz
- John P. Ryan – Ezra Liam Kennedy
- Anjelica Huston – Madge Gorland
- William Traylor – Kyle Sackett
- Ron Flagge – Shoeshine Man
- William Newman – Man from HomeTown
- Chuck Liddell – Boy Scout
- Albert Henderson – Art Beeman
- Christopher Lloyd – Salesman
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Postman Always Rings Twice is a masterful film that stands as one of the great neo-noir classics. Bob Rafelson’s direction is impeccable, and the performances by Jack Nicholson and Jessica Lange are outstanding. The film’s exploration of human desire and the destructive power of greed is both timely and timeless, and it’s a must-see for fans of the genre.