Character study of a lost soul in post-revolution 1970

The story involves Robert Dupea (Jack Nicholson) leaving behind his high society upbringing in preference to being a drifter and working on oil fields. When he catches word of his dad's illness he reluctantly drives up to Washington with his girlfriend, Rayette (Karen Black), but his brother's woman catches his attention (Susan Anspach).

Although the story is somewhat meandering and contains a few less-than-noble characters, it's a well-done character study of a confused soul who doesn't know what he wants. He sees the pomposity, illusion and pressure that goes with upper-class culture and seeks liberation in more common circles, which doesn't wholly inspire him. He has temper tantrums, cheats on his girl, and is basically a problem waiting to happen, although he's not entirely without respectable or likable qualities.

I think the film struck a chord at the time because Robert's plight represented the dilemma of many people after the counterculture revolution of the 60s. Society threw off the restraints of conventional morality and education to basically have a wild party. But what do you do when the party's over and you're hung over?

The chicken salad scene is infamous and there are quite a few other memorable scenes, like the cynical hitchhiker with her female pal (Toni Basil). Some characters are intentionally over-the-top, like the wannabe intellectual at the Dupea residence, but this was done to be amusing. Despite the exaggerations, the characters ring true.

Susan Anspach has a unique look and intriguing personality. Her character, Catherine, shows signs of being a trollop but, then again, it was 1969 (when shot) and, besides, she felt guilty about her behavior.

The first time I saw this I found it mildly absorbing but was ultimately unimpressed. I didn't get the hype. Seeing it again, it's better than I remembered. You'll appreciate it more too if you're fairly mature, don't have ADHD, and you understand that it's not a conventional drama with typical contrivances and a charming protagonist. Rather, it's a slice-of-life tale focusing on a confused and sometimes childish individual who isn't always likable. It's equal parts fascinating, insightful, amusing, meandering and pointless.

It's not overlong (98 minutes) and was shot in California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and Illinois.