Jack Nicholsonwas over thirty, and more than a decade into his acting career, whenEasy Riderfinally made him a star. His reputation as a rebellious anti-hero was furthered by three notorious confrontations in films of the 1970s:Five Easy Pieces,The Last Detail, andOne Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. He has played villains inThe ShiningandBatman, a hot-headed marine colonel inA Few Good Men, and a ruthless mob boss inThe Departed. However, some of his best performances are in less showy roles where his skill is conveyed through subtlety. Jack has often turned down big money parts in order to take riskier roles such as the grim, introverted men inIronweed,The Crossing Guard,The Pledge, andAbout Schmidt. Undoubtedly, Nicholson is a very fine actor, and inChinatownhe gives what may be his most memorable performance.