Boy Howdy -- talk about a 'grower'

I've seen this movie only four times in the last fifteen years.

The first time I was a fifteen year old riding high on watching Five Easy Pieces over and over, loving that I was finally seeing what seemed to be a genuine human being I could relate to in a movie. When I heard Jack and Bob R. collaborated on another film, I dashed out to find it. Aside from the opening scene, I found The King of Marvin Gardens to be an utter disappointment.

I gave it another shot roughly five years later. I can't remember the circumstances, but I do remember thinking, "That wasn't so bad."

Then, another five years later, I bought a used copy of the DVD. Still better.

Now, having seen it a fourth time last weekend, I feel like I could sit down and enjoy it at any time. It's so richly observed, and there doesn't seem to be a single false note anywhere in the entire bloody movie. Think about that! How many films -- character-driven dramas, no less -- can claim to be 100% savvy when it comes to representing the human condition?

I guess that's another way of saying, "I've met all these people, and I bet you have too."

Beautifully shot, as well. I don't think there's any score, which was a wise decision, if for no other reason because it adds to quiet devastation of the film's final moments.

Anyway, I'm not sure what purpose this post serves, but I felt compelled to add something to this message board.