Podcast Summary

Podcast: Jokermen
Episode: Teaser // Van Dyke Parks: THE TWO JAKES with Will Sloan
Date: October 31, 2025
Host(s): Jokermen
Guest: Will Sloan

Episode Overview

This episode of Jokermen dives into the Van Dyke Parks-related world of the 1990 film The Two Jakes, directed by and starring Jack Nicholson. The hosts and guest Will Sloan discuss the film's musical connection (score by Van Dyke Parks, featuring him in a cameo), the presence and onscreen gravitas of Jack Nicholson, and broader musings on the decline of the traditional "movie star." The conversation is playful, irreverent, and packed with anecdotes about Nicholson’s persona, Hollywood lore, and personal encounters.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why The Two Jakes Fits the Van Dyke Parks Universe

• The hosts clarify how The Two Jakes is woven into their recurring Van Dyke Parks theme due to Parks’ role as both composer and actor.
  • "This is technically part of the Van Dyke Park's greater universe because he does the score for the film as well as plays a minor part..." (A, 00:14)
• They compare this inclusion to a previous episode on Popeye, noting the distinction with composer relevance.
  • "I think this is maybe a little bit more valid than the Popeye film was, because obviously most of the music in that movie was coming from Harry Nilsson." (A, 00:34)

2. Surprise Appearances in The Two Jakes

• Highlight Tom Waits’ cameo as a police officer, which surprised Will Sloan.
  • "Tom Waits is in this film." (C, 00:50)
  • “He. I think the camera catches him once as a plainclothes officer... Wait, was he in this movie all along? Did I somehow miss him?” (C, 00:58)

3. Jack Nicholson’s Physicality and Screen Presence

• The hosts discuss Nicholson’s older, heavier look for The Two Jakes and humorously debate whether this was method acting or just lifestyle choices.

  • "Jack Nicholson gained weight for the role...which I think is very funny because he looks exactly the same as he did in Batman the year before." (C, 01:32)
  • “He’s got sort of a porcine nature to him in this film. He’s constantly sweating and his hair is just all kind of about up in the air and, yes, looking quite wide.” (A, 02:05)
  • “Probably on his yacht, you know, celebrating that Batman money…eating a big salami sandwich.” (B, 02:29)

• There is vivid imagery around Nicholson’s infamous paparazzi photos and his status as an icon.

  • "...the photo of him from the 2000s, maybe just eating a big sandwich." (C, 02:46)
  • “He’s shirtless on the boat, and he’s...got quite supple teats surrounded by beautiful young women.” (A/C, 02:57)

4. Jack as a ‘Movie Star’ and Comparison to Modern Actors

• Will Sloan notes the difference between movie stars of Nicholson’s era and today’s celebrities, particularly the expectation for physical perfection.

  • “They don't make movie stars like this anymore. Even our...Robert Downey Jr. I guess, feels the need to have a body like an Instagram model, you know, perfect hair. But Jack in this movie looks...I mean, I’m struggling to find the word.” (C, 03:14–04:02)

• The hosts remark on Nicholson’s unique screen magnetism:

  • “Nobody has that…gravitational pull which allows him to step into situations looking the way he does and maintain a sense of...this is someone magnificent to behold.” (B, 04:25)

5. Nicholson’s Unconventional Sex Appeal

• Will Sloan reflects on Nicholson’s sexual magnetism, even without classic good looks:
  • “He's amazing because he has never really been that handsome. But he has always radiated sexuality...he manifests the energy of a man who has a lot of. And expects to have a lot of sex. Even though, like, he’s not…if you put a handsome man through the handsome man machine a few too many times. Yeah. And he starts to, like, warp a little bit.” (C, 04:59–05:23)
  • “The stats, the sliders are off a little bit on this one.” (A, 05:31)

6. Anecdotes & Personal Connections

• The conversation shifts to Something’s Gotta Give, with a host revealing a personal story about being an extra in the film as a child.

  • “I did extra work on Something’s Gotta Give.” (A, 05:44)
  • “I’m, like, in the background of one of those hospital rooms.” (A, 06:05)
  • “I spent a whole day there on set...I was 11 or 12 or so. I had no idea what was going on. I didn’t know that that was the Jack Nicholson’s ass, you know, being sped along the corridor right in front of me.” (A, 06:12–06:22)

• The panel jokes about this minor contribution, comparing it to actors with legendary but small filmographies.

  • “You’re like John Cazale.” (B, 06:43)
  • “Only the best.” (A, 06:46)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Jack’s Method (or Not):
  "He gained weight to convey sort of the older Jake Giddies, which I think is very funny because he looks exactly the same as he did in Batman the year before."
  — Will Sloan (C), 01:32

• On Nicholson’s Unique Magnetism:
  "Nobody has that…gravitational pull which allows him to step into situations looking the way he does and maintain a sense...that this is someone magnificent to behold."
  — B, 04:25

• On Being an Extra with Jack:
  "I’m, like, in the background of one of those hospital rooms."
  — A, 06:05

  "I spent a whole day there on set...I was 11 or 12 or so. I had no idea what was going on. I didn’t know that that was the Jack Nicholson’s ass, you know, being sped along the corridor right in front of me."
  — A, 06:12–06:22

• On the Movie Star’s Aura:
  "They don't make movie stars like this anymore."
  — Will Sloan (C), 03:14

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:14 – Van Dyke Parks's dual role in The Two Jakes explained
• 00:50 – Tom Waits surprise cameo
• 01:32 – Nicholson’s weight gain and “porcine” look
• 02:46 – Jack’s shirtless boat photo discussion
• 03:14–04:02 – Movie stars then vs. now
• 04:25 – Gravitational pull of old-school celebrities
• 04:59–05:23 – Nicholson’s sexual charisma
• 05:44–06:22 – Personal extra work story on Something’s Gotta Give

Conclusion

This brief yet lively episode teaser weaves classic Jokermen wit with thoughtful musings on star power, the vanishing archetype of larger-than-life actors, and the peculiar universe emanating from Van Dyke Parks’s film and music work. Whether sharing IMDb trivia, reflecting on pop culture images, or unveiling a surprise personal anecdote, the hosts and Will Sloan keep the tone light, irreverent, and affectionate regarding their subjects. Fans of classic Hollywood, Jack Nicholson, and deep podcast banter will find much to enjoy.