The King of Marvin Gardens (1972 Bob Rafelson)

Written by Jacob Brackman and Rafelson. A somewhat ethereal film in which both plot and character are there behind the mist, making it slightly difficult to connect with, despite great performances from Jack Nicholson, Bruce Dern and Ellen Burstyn. With Julia Anne Robinson, Benjamin 'Scatman' Crothers, Charles LaVine, Josh Mostel. (Actually, as an afterthought, everything's there, all the story, all the characterisation - it's just deployed so subtly it's only afterwards you realise the integrity of the screenplay.)

Filmed in an out-of-season and unwelcoming Atlantic City, superbly shot by Laszlo Kovacs.

Loved the auction on the pier scene, long opening monologue in one take, made up story about grandfather, Miss America and Scatman scenes.

Rafelson directed The Monkees and Head, made Five Easy Pieces, The Postman Always Rings Twice, Black Widow and Blood and Wine.

P.S. Did find my review of 13 August 1993 funny: "Despite the popular view that this is some sort of underrated classic, film is as limpid and interesting as a stagnant, muddy pond. Very 1970s."