The question of whether Five Easy Pieces is sexist or about
sexism has been troubling movie nerds for 30 years. The answer is yes.
Even the title is a sexist double entendre; those pieces aren’t
piano music, dude. But it’s also unquestionably about sexism, or at
least a sexist (Jack Nicholson at his most robust), whose woman-mauling
behavior injures everyone, himself included. Throw in the
chicken-salad-sandwich scene and you’ve got an imperishable
emotional weather report from the dawn of the American 1970s.
(Northwest Film Forum, 1515 12th Ave, 267-5380. 7 and 9:15 pm,
$5–$8.50.)

Sean Nelson has worked at The Stranger on and off since 1996. He is currently Editor-at-Large. His past job titles included: Assistant Editor, Associate Editor, Film Editor, Copy Editor, Web Editor, Slog...