Publisher Description

Originally published as Jack Nicholson: Face to Face in 1975, Jack Nicholson: The Early Years is the first book written about the enigmatic star and the only one to have Nicholson's participation. In 1975 Nicholson was just becoming a household name in spite of having already starred in, written or produced 25 films including classics such as Easy Rider (1969), Five Easy Pieces (1970), The Last Detail (1973) and Chinatown (1974). To date, Nicholson has been nominated for twelve Academy Awards and won three, has garnered seven Golden Globe awards, and took home the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award at the age of 57.

Authors Robert Crane and Christopher Fryer interviewed Nicholson for what began as a thesis for a University of Southern California film class but which quickly morphed into a larger portrait of Nicholson's unique craft. Crane and Fryer conducted their interviews with Nicholson with the intent of showcasing the young star as he saw himself, while also interviewing many of Nicholson's close friends and fellow filmmakers, including Dennis Hopper, Roger Corman, Hal Ashby, Ann-Margret, Robert Evans and Bruce Dern, providing a comprehensive profile of the actor's early years in the industry. The result is a true insider's look at Nicholson not only as a writer, director and actor, but also offers insights into a private man's private life. Jack Nicholson: The Early Years stands as a testament to his incredible success in Hollywood.

Notes

Originally published in 1975, this showcases the young star as he saw himself and provides a comprehensive profile of his early career.

Author Biography

Christopher Fryer is coauthor of Bruce Dern: Things I've Said, But Probably Shouldn't Have -- An Unrepentant Memoir and a contributor to Hal Ashby: Interviews. He lives in New York's Hudson Valley. Robert Crane is coauthor of Bruce Dern: Things I've Said, But Probably Shouldn't Have -- An Unrepentant Memoir and a contributor to Hal Ashby: Interviews. He is also coauthor of the newly published My Life As A Mankiewicz. He lives in Los Angeles, California.

Review

"" Jack Nicholson: The Early Years is authentic, immediate and full of unguarded moments with the pre-caricature, just post-'Chinatown' legend. Nicholson is revealed as self-effacing and warm, yet still mysterious. Like the teeter-totter in the backyard of Jack's pad, it's a period piece, but a timeless one at that."--Susan Compo, author of Warren Oates: A Wild Life" --
""A true insider's look at Nicholson not only as a writer, director, and actor, but also as a private man who desires a private life." -- Los Angeles Daily News" --
""An entertaining pictorial biography/filmography of Jack Nicholson--the star and the man...A must for cinema students and star watchers who are interested in looking at the role of an actor in American cinema today. It is well-researched and well-put-together." -- Hollywood Reporter" --
""In their winning introduction, Fryer and Crane look back from a distance of 35 years to recount their once-in-a-lifetime adventure." -- Leonard Martin's Movie Crazy" --
""The only book written with [Nicholson's] blessing.... The interviews are illuminating."-- Los Angeles Weekly" --
""What emerges is an actor whose seemingly casual manner hides an intensity rare in today's motion picture world." -- Jackson Sun" --

Review Quote

"What emerges is an actor whose seemingly casual manner hides an intensity rare in today's motion picture world." -- Jackson Sun

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