Oz and Curtis are packing up the projector, staring at the dust motes in the wind, and wondering where the hell everyone went to break down Peter Bogdanovich’s hauntingly beautiful Coming-of-Age Drama: The Last Picture Show!
Set in the desolate, wind-swept town of Anarene, Texas, in the early 1950s, the film follows high school seniors Sonny (Timothy Bottoms) and Duane (Jeff Bridges) as they navigate the aimlessness of youth. Between the pool hall, the local diner, and the fading allure of the town’s only movie house, they find themselves entangled in the complicated, often tragic lives of the town's adults—including the world-weary Sam the Lion (Ben Johnson) and the manipulative Jacy Farrow (Cybill Shepherd).
We break down the film’s stark perfection: the choice to film in gorgeous, high-contrast Black and White, the incredible breakout performances from a legendary young cast, the screenplay’s brutal honesty about sex and social stagnation, and the film’s status as a cornerstone of the New Hollywood movement. Is The Last Picture Show the ultimate Texas Cinema tragedy and a profound Cult Classic, or just a movie that proves the only thing lonelier than a small town is being the last one left in it? Tune in for our full The Last Picture Show 1971 movie review!
If you’re into analyzing character-driven dramas, appreciating the artistry of classic cinematography, or listening to two dudes who would definitely panic if they were stuck in a town with only one pool table, this episode is for you.
To catch the final screening of great content before the lights go out, follow the wind straight to https://LetsTalkAboutFlix.com— where our takes are as timeless as a flickering film reel and guaranteed to be an emotionally resonant listen.
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