Things You'll Need:
- DVD collection of Jack Nicholson movies
- Desire to be entertained
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Step 1
Try a chronological approach. Slide in "Easy Rider," which gave Nicholson his first Oscar nomination. Though the 1960s theme of the film doesn't translate well into the new millennium, his intriguing personality was evident from the start of his career.
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Step 2
Jack Nicholson as rebellious Randall P. McMurphy.Watch Nicholson's first Oscar-winning performance in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." His performance as the loose cannon Randall P. McMurphy in a mental ward was brilliant both dramatically and comedically.
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Step 3
Prepare to be frightened by the evil growing in Nicholson's character in "The Shining." He slowly turns into an ax-wielding murderer as a caretaker in a haunted Colorado resort hotel. Hold on to your seat as he crashes his axe through the bedroom door in view of his terrified wife and screams, "Heeeere's Johnny!"
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Step 4
Witness the softer, gentler, yet still wild, side of Nicholson in "Terms of Endearment," which earned him his second best actor statue at the Academy Awards. Nicholson began displaying a warmer, more heartfelt side in the 1980s without losing any of his deviousness.
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Step 5
Appreciate Nicholson in yet another Oscar-winning role in "As Good as it Gets," which is as good as it gets. Watch his anger and fear melt away as he falls in love with a waitress played by Helen Hunt. The role shows off the full range of Nicholson's acting ability.
