You can compare Pacino with De Niro, Streep to Close, or perhaps Redford with Newman but Jack is a completely unique force. No other actor compares. Somebody broke the mould with Nicholson.
22. Even in Bad Films He's Good
In Roger Corman's corny cheap horror flick Little Shop of Horrors Nicholson is unforgettable as a patient addicted to dental treatment. While such minor films like Blood and Wine, The Bucket List and the more recent How Do You Know still boast classic archetypal Jack performances.
23. Jake Gittes in Chinatown (1974)
Surely Nicholson's finest performance was as JJ Gittes in Polanski's most perfect film: the classic, period noir masterpiece that is Chinatown. Nicholson offered a cockier, more physical and arguably cooler private investigator than previous interpretations. He may have been Oscar nominated but Jack missed out to Art Caney (who?) in Harry and Tonto (what?). Surely an Oscar injustice if every there was one.
24. Isn't Afraid to Poke Fun at Himself
Nicholson constantly riffs on his own image. Take his philandering senior swinger who has a taste for the young ladies in romantic comedy Something's Gotta Give - a role in which he gracefully exposes his, than, 67 year old behind.
25. Is As Much A Draw As Any Part He Is Playing
JN's name above the title is surely guaranteed quality. Even in dire films there's always the prospect of Nicholson's character to get you through the duration.