Director: Hal Ashby
Any discussion of this film would have to center on its historical context, specifically the context of American filmmaking in the 1970's. It was the American New Wave, a time when studios took a few more risks and a time when rebellion and protest was in full gear. This film is pure 1970's. It's about free spirited behavior and a subversion of the traditional Hollywood image of professionalism in the military. I'm not so sure if its a film that is timeless enough to have a lot of impact today, but if I had seen this film when it came out in 1974, I imagine I would have called it a truly great movie.
Nonetheless, as a piece of film history and a time capsule of the filmmaking and social thinking of a certain time, this movie is very worth watching. A young Jack Nicholson gives one of his best performances (which is saying a lot), and the direction by Hal Ashby is non-intrusive but still includes you in the action. It's not quite as touching as the other Ashby film I've seen, Harold and Maude, which is undeniably a great movie, but there is still a rebellious spirit in this film that makes it feel alive.
Grade: B
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