] Altman was already establishing himself and known for his unique and original style that redefined American cinema, with films includingBrewster McCloud (1970), and the Korean War black comedyM*A*S*H (1970).Jack""s frustrated crew was fearful that hey were being vengefully hunted by the undead ghostly Salazar, and hey threatened mutiny.Jack Nicholson""s acting persona as the heroic rebel McMurphy, who lives free or dies (through an act of mercy killing), had earlier been set with his performances inEasy Rider (1969)andFive Easy Pieces (1970).They rode out of the desert into a lush green area close to Ape City, where they found throngs of gorilla-ape soldiers cheering in an open-air arena where speeches were being delivered by ape-men (Brent: "My God! It""s a city of apes!").