Cinema: A Texas Tall Tale for Two

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As a director, the star has made considerable advances since his one previous outing, Drive He Said (1971). Goin' South has a consistent personality that reflects the off-the-wall sensibility of its hero. Nicholson's straight-faced use of unappetizing extras makes us see the whole film through Moon's somewhat stoned eyes. The lush cinematography of Nestor Almendros (Days of Heaven helps give Goin' South the aura of a Texas tall tale. Perhaps the tale is about ten minutes too tall, but no doubt that's because Nicholson couldn't bring himself to stop having fun. As long as that fun spreads to the audience, who can blame him for lavishing his major talent on so minor a lark?

Frank Rich