Key Takeaways:

– In making the 1974 classic thriller film “Chinatown”, Faye Dunaway faced difficult times with director Roman Polanski, and found a supportive ally in co-star Jack Nicholson.
– Shelley Duvall, who starred opposite Nicholson in “The Shining”, had a gruelling experience and revealed that Nicholson was not supportive during her on-set troubles.
– Despite the challenging sets, both films “Chinatown” and “The Shining” emerged as cinematic masterpieces and are available for streaming on Max and AMC+ respectively.

Nicholson Aids Dunaway Amid Stressful Chinatown Filming

While shooting Roman Polanski’s investigative thriller “Chinatown”, star Faye Dunaway experienced a difficult working relationship with the director. Describing him as a ‘terror’, she confessed to struggling amidst the high pressures of the set. However, co-star Jack Nicholson became a source of comfort and support, easing some of the turmoil.

Dunaway shared a specific incident in the HBO documentary “Faye”, recounting how a frustrated Polanski went as far as yanking a lock of hair from her head due to its constant fall in front of her face, causing her to storm off the set. She said, “Jack helped, though. Nicholson being there made all the difference.” Adding a touch of humor to the situation, Nicholson reportedly nicknamed her ‘Dread’ – short for ‘The Dreaded Dunaway’.

Nicholson Fails to Support Shelley Duvall on The Shining Set

Contrasting Dunaway’s experience is that of Shelley Duvall, who bore a gruelling ordeal during the making of Stanley Kubrick’s horror flick “The Shining”. Duvall, who died on July 11, eventually revealed the harsh realities behind the scenes. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she recounted Kubrick’s relentless working style, involving multiple retakes and high-pressure performance expectations. Unlike with Dunaway, Nicholson did not serve as a source of support for Duvall.

Angelica Huston, Nicholson’s girlfriend at the time of the latter’s filming, even perceived that Nicholson and Kubrick were ganging up on Duvall. Remarking on Duvall’s state during the film’s production, Huston stated that the actress seemed “a bit tortured, shook up” and seemed to lack care and attention from the set management.

Despite these contrasting experiences, both “Chinatown” and “The Shining” have solidified their iconic status in cinematic history. “Chinatown” can be streamed on Max, while “The Shining” is available on AMC+. These films, created under straining conditions, stand as testaments to their cast and crew’s resilience and dedication. Through their enduring legacy, audiences can appreciate the off-camera efforts and trials that go into making such memorable cinema.

Note that these two different portraits of Jack Nicholson highlight the diverse dynamics on film sets. Where he was a support system for one co-star, he wasn’t very helpful to another. This discrepancy shows that set experiences can be vastly different, even with the same actor. The importance of mental health and supportive work environments are vital issues deeply rooted in these anecdotes, deserving of ongoing discussion in the film industry.

Key Takeaways:

– JoBlo ranks “Die Hard” (1988) as the greatest action movie of all time.
– This list sticks to classic action films, leaving out superhero movies and certain genres like Jackie Chan’s films.
– The list includes a mix of newer franchises like ‘John Wick’, ground-breaking classics like ‘Enter the Dragon’, and influential pieces such as ‘Casino Royale’.
– Action movies starring iconic figures like Jean-Claude Van Damme, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Bruce Lee, among others, make the cut.
– Notably, the list omits films such as ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,’ ‘Hero,’ and ‘Heat’.

Entering the action-packed world of cinema can be a thrilling adventure. In the world of film, action movies hold a special place. They’ve got everything: thrilling chases, well-choreographed fights, and gripping storylines that can glue you to your seat. Online publication JoBlo recently released its top 25 action movies of all time, causing quite a stir. This list ranges from modern Hollywood blockbusters to timeless classics, showcasing the best in the genre.

Picking out the ‘best’ action films is a challenging task and often leads to heated debate. With the number of action films released over the decades, it’s clear that the list is subjective and leaves out superhero films, given their broadness. Notable films like Jackie Chan’s “Police Story” have been omitted, but more lists are in the pipeline, so fans stay tuned!

Coming in at number 25 is “Hard Target” (1993), praised as Jean-Claude Van Damme’s best action film. Directed by John Woo in his American film debut, the depiction of villains and action sequences in this movie warrants its place on the list.

“Leon: The Professional” (1994) follows at number 24 with its stylish depiction of a hitman drama. This Luc Besson’s film introduced Natalie Portman to cinephiles while offering an unforgettable villain played by Gary Oldman.

The 23rd spot goes to “Casino Royale” (2006). It arguably re-invented James Bond and showcased Daniel Craig’s immense talent, and it was impossible to ignore in a compilation of this sort.

Old-school action fans would agree with “Commando” (1985) sitting at the 22nd spot – where Arnold Schwarzenegger’s image changed from killing machine to a more personable character. As for films centred around the Vietnam War, “Rambo: First Blood Part 2” (1985) is an influential one-man-army movie positioned at number 21.

The list includes notable mentions of recent works such as “The John Wick Franchise” at number 17 which starkly refreshed the film industry, and “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015) at number 15, a product of a chaotic shoot and proved to be a masterpiece.

A Quentin Tarantino classic, “Kill Bill Volume 1 & 2” (2003, 2004), is at number 16. The film showcased Tarantino’s love for Kung-Fu cinema and breathtaking action sequences. “The Matrix” (1999) transcended the boundaries of sci-fi action and redefined Keanu Reeves’ career, securing the 11th spot.

The top 5 include classics and influencers such as “Enter the Dragon” (1973) by the legendary Bruce Lee which made a significant impact on martial arts and films across continents, ranking number 5. At the fourth spot, we have “Hard Boiled” (1992), best known for its climax shoot-out. Indiana Jones’s saga “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981) was deemed the third highest, followed by “Terminator 2: Judgement Day” (1991) at the second spot for its unbeatable combination of real explosions and a heartwarming storyline.

The number one spot, much to the delight of die-hard action fans, was claimed by “Die Hard” (1988). The film featuring Bruce Willis’s unforgettable performance as John McClane was not only labeled as the greatest Christmas movie but also bagged the title of the greatest action flick ever.

Remember, this list is subjective, and there may be other deserving titles such as ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,’ ‘Heat,’ or ‘Hero,’. However, the list is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to explore the world of action movies. Let’s keep the discussion alive in the comments section below! Happy watching!