There is no doubt that Jack Nicholson is among Hollywood’s absolute elite. A true old fox whose career spans more than six decades and whose big break came with Easy Rider as the alcoholic George Hanson, a performance that established him as one of the industry’s biggest stars, and a success story that landed him in the history books and made him a timeless icon.
With three Oscars under his belt, few can argue with his incredible versatility and ability to portray complex and often dark, troubled characters. From One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest to Batman and later Frank Costello in The Departed, Nicholson has proven time and again what a phenomenal actor he is with his patented charismatic presence and charm, and now we list what we consider his top five performances.
5. The Deceased (2006)
As ruthless mob boss Frank Costello, Nicholson bestowed upon the world a character as chilling as he was charismatic, balancing menacing intensity with sinister charm with exquisite dexterity. It is a masterful performance full of discomfort in which Nicholson takes advantage of his signature smile to create a character trapped in a duality of tension and unpredictability as dangerous as it is entertaining.
4. A couple of good men (1992)
As the stern and arrogant commander, Nicholson gave us one of his most intensely terrifying performances, as well as perhaps his best role of the entire 1990s. His ability to naturally convey authority and Jessup’s relentless belief in his moral righteousness, along with a body language that subtly but effectively dominates everything and everyone in his presence, make the character as mesmerizing as he is disgusting. The underlying anger and coldness Nicholson conveys makes Jessup one of the strongest personalities we have ever seen on screen. Absolutely brilliant acting.
3. Nanny (1989)
Tim Burton’s iconic film opened the doors to the superhero genre and also gave us one of the most iconic villains in film history. Nicholson combines his charismatic acting with a dark, manic energy that perfectly captures the essence of the Joker; Terrifying, unpredictable and constantly fascinating. He delivers his lines with a blend of charm and madness that makes the Joker both laughable and menacing, which is also enhanced by Nicholson’s expressiveness. A chillingly perfect depiction of taking pleasure in chaos and anarchy, Nicholson is utterly unforgettable in his portrayal of this complex and captivating figure.
2. One flew over the cuckoo’s nest (1975)
By far one of Nicholson’s most exciting, nuanced performances is in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, where he brilliantly portrayed the charismatic, rebellious inmate trying to escape the strict, controlled environment of the mental hospital by going crazy. Here Nicholson combines perfection with humor and depth, mixing it with an expressive presence and facial expressions that perfectly capture McMurphy’s frustration, joy and sadness on a very personal level. It is not only by far one of Nicholson’s best performances, but also one of the most moving and powerful in film history.
1. The Gloss (1980)
Few performances in Hollywood’s long, storied history can match Nicholson’s magnificent portrayal of Jack Torrance in Kubrick’s adaptation of The Shining. A captivating journey in which we follow Torrance’s decline as dark, supernatural forces drive him mad. From family man to brutal, insane killer. A performance as thrillingly intense as it is deeply disturbing and filled with Nicholson’s unique charm and personality, everything from his patented smile to his manic facial expressions help to capture the character’s unpleasant unpredictability, as well as sympathetic sides, so perfectly. There is something downright bizarre about the seemingly natural way Nicholson conveys Torrance, and his slow psychological deterioration and struggle with inner demons is second to none. A dark, intense role in which every moment feels authentic and terrifying, and which we consider Nicholson’s absolute best.