Jack Nicholson has developed a reputation as being able to effortlessly play the cool but severely unhinged rebellious characters, but what we don't tend to acknowledge is the effect that his craziness probably has on bit-part characters. We never stop for a moment to think of the innocent waitress he verbally terrorises in Five Easy Pieces, whose only crime is apparently awkwardness. In an infamous diner scene, Nicholson attempts to order a plain omelette and toast, but is told he can't, as there's no substitutions, and this highly complex meal isn't on the menu. Clearly, this is ridiculous, but the waitress is representing oppressed customer service employees the world over, begrudgingly following rules whilst taking the flack for the consequences. So not only does she have to listen to Nicholson bamboozle her with sarcastic orders, but she then gets a bonus mess to tidy thanks to sticking to her guns, a feeling those of who have have worked in a restaurant may very well sympathise with. Check the scene out below, and you'll probably forget whose side you're supposed to be on.
