I have to admit that when I finally got to this admittedly landmark film, to say that I was underwhelmed is an understatement. I found it largely unengaging and sometimes downright dreary, despite some memorable visuals. The mumbled exchanges between Fonda and Hopper, or those of them which I was able to pick up, were so random and rambling as to seem irrelevant.

The film picked up immeasurably when Jack Nicholson entered proceedings, the only time when it found its feet, for me. His rich, singular performance was truly memorable, and one can easily see that back in 1969 it must have already have been evident that this was a guy destined for a major career.

But, as a whole - while I appreciate its important place in history - I found this film something of a bore.