Raise your hand if you thought Jack Nicholson would never actually make the American version of “Toni Erdmann.”
Nicholson’s last film was in 2010, and it was a disaster. James L. Brooks’s “How Do You Know” just didn’t work, and Nicholson was lost. I’m sure he wanted to make more movies, but it’s not possible. He’s still a giant in Hollywood, but at 81, he’s human. He suffers from mental infelicity.
Now he’s officially out of “Toni Erdmann” and the charade is over. The movie will be directed by Lisa Cholodenko and co-star Kristen Wiig as the daughter. A new actor will be found to play the rambunctious father. Jack would have been a great choice ten years ago. Robin Williams would have been very, very good. The producers will find someone.
Jack Nicholson has won three Oscars. He has a resume of films to die for. He’s a legend. We love seeing him at Lakers games. God bless him. He doesn’t have to act anymore. We knew he was done in 2010 even if he didn’t. Gene Hackman retired a long time ago. Robert Redford just announced he’s giving up acting. These guys have given us cinematic gems for the movie canon.
Whether it’s “The Shining” or “Chinatown” or “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” or “About Schmidt”– or “Carbal Knowledge,” which holds up so well– Jack Nicholson is forever. Thank you, Jack.