Directed by:
Bob RafelsonScreenplay:
Jacob BrackmanCinematography:
László KovácsCast:
Jack Nicholson, Bruce Dern, Ellen Burstyn, Julia Anne Robinson, Scatman Crothers, Josh Mostel, Arnold Williams, Tony King, John P. Ryan, Garry Goodrow (more)VOD (1)
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David Staebler, the host of a late-night talk-show on a Philadelphia radio station, often regales listeners with anecdotes about his older brother Jason, a con man whom he refers to as "the King of Marvin Gardens." One day, after a separation of many years, David becomes reinvolved with Jason who informs him that he's on the verge of realizing their childhood dream of owning a tropical island. (official distributor synopsis)
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Reviews (1)
The King of Marvin Gardens surprises primarily fans of Jack Nicholson, who, to the director's surprise, chose the role of the more moderate of the two brothers, David, for the director's surprise. It is a very unconventional role in Nicholson's filmography, where he is extremely measured in his performance and plays with understated character acting. The film is a psychological study of two different life approaches, with David representing a realistic and rational perspective, while Jason represents an emotional view of the world. The criminal plot is not important and serves mostly to intensify the dramatic conflict between the two brothers. It is not exceptional, but it is a decently watchable psychological film. Overall impression: 60%.
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