The Postman Always Rings Twice Movie Review 1981

It must be true because he's ringing again in Mamet's version of James M. Cain's depression-era novel. This time Nicholson plays the drifter and Lange the amoral wife with an aged husband. Truer to the original story than the 1946 movie in its use of brutal sex scenes, it nevertheless lacks the power of the original. Nicholson works well in this time era and Lange adds depth and realism to the character of Cora. But in the end it remains dreary and easily forgettable.

Distribution

Warner Home Video, Inc., 5775 Linder Canyon Rd., Westlake Village, CA 91362, URL: http://whv.warnerbros.com, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 123 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Crime Doesn't Pay, Marriage, Sex & Sexuality, Torrid Love Scenes, Film Noir, Great Depression, Waiters & Waitresses, Books to Film: James M. Cain, Director/Star Teams: Rafelson & Nicholson

Screenplay

David Mamet

Cast

Jack Nicholson, Jessica Lange, John Colicos, Anjelica Huston, Michael Lerner, John P. Ryan, Christopher Lloyd

Cinematography

Sven Nykvist

Director

Bob Rafelson

Music

Michael Small

Producer

Bob Rafelson, Charles Mulvehill, MGM