One of Jack Nicholson’s early masterpieces, Five Easy Pieces finished shooting on this day in 1970. The film went on to receive eight Academy Award and Golden Globe nods, with one Globe win for Karen Black’s supporting role. Directed by Bob Rafelson, Five Easy Pieces tells the story of Bobby Dupea (Nicholson) and his return to a family he tried to leave behind. The film follows the chain of events set in motion when Dupea finds out about his girlfriend’s pregnancy. In 2000 the U.S. Library of Congress named the movie a part of the National Film Registry.

Film Factoid: The title Five Easy Pieces refers to a book of piano compositions, key to the relationship between Dupea and his sick father.