The Postman Always Rings Twice Reviews

When first filmed in America in 1946 (it was previously adapted in France as LE DERNIER TOURANT [1939] and in Italy as OSSESSIONE [1942]) with John Garfield and Lana Turner, Cain's steamy novel fell victim to the restrictions of the Hays Code. In 1981 director Rafelson thought he could get away with bringing the novel's sex to the screen, and he cast Nicholson as the Depression-era drifter who takes work at a California roadside diner run by a likable but abrasive Greek (Colicos) and his lovely, much younger wife (Lange). Uncontrollable lust brings Nicholson and Lange together, eventually uniting them in murder. Cain's lightning pace and economy is unfortunately lost in the translation to film by director Rafelson and screenwriter Mamet. The film is also likely to confuse viewers unfamiliar with the source material. Although the film was reportedly shot as an X-rated feature with the intention of toning it down to an R later, the sex is mainly confined to the grunt-filled soundtrack. The film does, however, feature revealing performances from its leads, authentic production design, and atmospheric photography by Sven Nykvist.