THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE (4 STARS)

Directed by Bob Rafelson who has become one of my favorite directors. My first introduction to his work was in Five Easy Pieces with Jack Nicholson. I reviewed that last year and was completely floored by how cool it was. Rafelson thrives on loud chaotic scenes. He love the naturalistic dialogue of people talking over each other and not finishing their sentences and a whole lot of yelling. His actors are usually very extreme and dynamic.
It also seems like he enjoys the old way of life, or the simple life. Five Easy Pieces shows an obvious contrast between the lower working class with a little country, to an upper class island living, with wild-man Jack Nicholson. The second movie i saw was Stay Hungry starring "the dude" and "the terminator" and also with Sally Fields doing her fast talking sassy Jane Fonda acting that she flared in Smoky and the Bandits. As i watched my crappy VHS copy of Stay Hungry I noticed a familiar style of humor and chaos in the acting. I thought, "Gee this is a lot like Five Easy Pieces." So i looked....and POW!! it all clicked.
The Postman Always Rings Twice is a remake from 1941. This 1981 Rafelson film is different than the others. Their are only a few "outbreaking" moments where a little bit of chaos occurs. Compared to his other movies, Postman is very restrained. If you've seen this version of Postman, calling it "restrained" may seem funny seeing how it's bazaar and the love scenes are violent and exploitative at best. But Rafelson was really putting forth his effort to put away his style and put some real quality footage on the screen. The dark browns and the windy rainy 1940's California days are so raw and real.
I can't suggest anyone watch this. It's extremely awkward to watch with anyone else (i saw it with my Dad), not a whole lot happens, and it's 2 hours though it feels like 4. However, i say it's a great film. A really good quality film. I just don't want you to hate me for telling you to see it.

Don't see it.