The Passenger Rating: Sorry, this product is not currently available. Cast: Jack Nicholson Maria Schneider Ian Hendry Steven Berkoff

The Passenger Reviews

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Last Assignment
Antonioni's philosophy, its not too hard to decipher, is that human relationships are not built on very solid ground and are thus prone to disintegration as his characters in film after film all seem incapable of making meaningful and lasting contact with other people. That alone might not sound like much of an aesthetic but Antonioni is a master at using stark visuals to convey how each of his characters feel their particular brand of isolation. The opening sequence of Jack Nicholson driving his Land Rover first through a small village where he seeks directions from a villager then out into the wide open desert are perfectly paced and filmed and are a perfect introduction to this man who has dealt with his own failings at human contact by devoting himself to his career as international journalist. The opening scenes of this lone figure among villagers with whom he can not even speak and then against the backdrop of the biggest desert on the planet emphasize what a singular thing each life is. While in the desert Jack steps out of his Land Rover for an instant and watches a man on a camel pass by. The figure on the camel is an example of a man perfectly integrated with his surroundings. In contrast Jack, of course, is not. I have seen the film several times and am always impressed by the opening sequence. The rest of the film for me kind of drags. There are some great locations but the theme of isolation which is visually stated so clearly and impressively in the beginning of the film is just not one that allows for much elaboration. What drama there is happens in those first few moments and the rest of the picture is like one very long and drawn out denoument. Its certainly watchable but is probably Antonioni's least satisfying picture as its scope is so narrow. Even the presence of Maria Schneider fails to create much excitement. Shes an oddball and an interesting creature who is vital and curious and has her own perspective and she provides an interesting contrast to Jack Nicholsons character but even she cannot shake Jacks character out of his existential malaise/torpor/entropy. Antonioni is a master who didn't make very many films but I think I would recommend this only to people who are already Antonioni fans and like to see every work by a favorite director. For others I think just about any other Antonioni film is a better bet.

Passing Through
Michelango Antonioni is one of the great figures in Italian cinema. He has worked with Fellini, they co-wrote "The White Sheik, a film I think is one of Fellini's best. Antonioni, of course, is a great filmmaker himself. Probably best known for his films "L'Avventura" and "Blowup". "The Passenger" is a film I admire very much. I enjoyed the atmosphere of the film. It moves at a subtle pace, but it's a strong gripping film. Antonioni just seems to let the scenes flow with their own certain rhythm. Nothing in his style seems forced to me. And what about Jack Nicholson's performance!? I personally feel this was the period where Jack was in his stride. He has just finished Roman Polanski's "Chinatown", a true masterpiece, and his next project would be Milos Forman's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest". Proving just how great he is. He's one of the best actors we have, no question!
"The Passenger" tells the story of a man who is upset with his life. He's a tv reporter, who is married with an adopted son. Things in the marriage are not going very well. The love has faded and David Locke, the reporter played by Nicholson seeks a way out. He wants to begin a new life.
David Locke is sent to Africa to do a documentary on a war going on. When there David meets a Mr. Robertson (Chuck Mulvehill). While staying at a hotel David notices that Roberston has died. And it's at this moment David feels here's his chance. He is able to get a chance to start all over again. So David switches passports with the man and assumes his identity. Word gets out about "David Locke's" passing. His wife, Rachel (Jenny Runacre) and tv producer Martin Knight (Ian Mendry)try to track down Robertson, thinking perhaps he'll have some answers fot them, since it is known that David knew him. And was staying at the same hotel.
Now, meanwhile David (Nicholson) starts leading the life of Robertson, which is not safe (and I won't say why). He meets a girl (Marie Schenider). Together they have a little affair, can anyone remember "Last Tango In Paris"? Just there's no butter here lol.
As might me expected Antonioni avoids the chances at given the movie too much human emotion. The same way he did with "L'Avventura". "The Passenger" is a character study of sorts. Not too much information is given away back David's past, but, that's okay. The movie works. And I can only hope the film is put on dvd soon. The film has become forgotten. More people need to see it.
I also want to note that the cinematograpy has a very intimate feel to it. Luciano Tovoli manages to catch, at moments, this loneliness that we sense in David. The movie might move too slow for some viewers, but, maybe if you watch it twice you'll notice there's a lot more than meets the eye.
Bottom-line: One of Nicholson's best performance. A strong subtle film with wonderful directing by Antonioni. Many might say it's slow moving, but, it's powerful.

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