539. The Last Picture Show

The Last Picture Show
1971
Directed by Peter Bogdanovich

This is another film that wasn't really made for me.  It seems like something that people who had a hard time saying goodbye to the fifties would enjoy.  I wasn't born during the fifties, I wasn't even close.  And well this doesn't seem to have an impact on me for other movies, it definitely felt like it was a problem this time.  Consequently, I was incredibly bored.

Two high school seniors live in a small town.  One is having an affair with his football coach's wife and the other is dating the most attractive girl in school.  Not a lot seems to happen during this film and I think that is why the characters suffer so much.  Nothing happens in their town; the only interesting thing to do is have sex.

Unfortunately, I was just as bored as the residents of this town.  There is no doubt that it is a beautiful film; it was extremely well acted and looked great.  But still kind of a snooze.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Cybill Shepherd's first film.  And last...right?

Orson Welles encouraged Bogdanovich to shoot in black and white.

490. Targets

Targets
1968
Directed by Peter Bogdanovich

We finally get to a really good film after a string of absolute snores.  I have never heard anyone mention this film before in my life, but it turned out to a really great find from The List.

The story revolves around a young Vietnam veteran who kills his mother and wife before going on a shooting spree at a local drive in.  Meanwhile, a faded movie star struggles to be relevant (or as I call it, The Robin Williams story).

I am fervently against acknowledging mass shooters or romanticizing them in fiction.  However, this film's depiction of the killer, who is loosely based on Charles Witman, is very artfully done.  I was entertained and interested the entire time, without feeling like the filmmakers were glorifying anyone or promoting anything.

The use of Boris Karloff is absolutely brilliant and kind of made me miss doing earlier films.  It is a pretty upsetting film, but a very successful thriller.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Boris Karloff lived just long enough to see the finished film and receive the praise he deserved for his role in it.

Trailer: