DIRECTOR: Peter Bogdanovich
SCREENPLAY: Larry McMurtry, Peter Bogdanovich. Based on the novel by Larry McMurtry
PHOTOGRAPHY: Robert Surtees
EDITORS: Donn Cambern
WITH: Timothy Bottoms, Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd, Ben Johnson, Cloris Leachman, Ellen Burstyn, Eileen Brennan

REVIEW

“A fond homage to the classic period of Hollywood cinema, The Last Picture Show is a deeply penetrating modern classic set in 1950s small town Anarene, Texas, where there isn't much to do except shoot some pool or hang out at the local cinema. Best friends Sonny Crawford (Timothy Bottoms) and Duane Jackson (Jeff Bridges shift around the town grappling with the weight of approaching adulthood and the realisation that their dusty hometown is dying, as people move to the cities for better lives. Lyrical and nostalgic, Robert Surtees' gorgeous black-and-white cinematography perfectly captures the flat, weathered town. The young cast give intensely affecting performances. In her first film role, Cybill Shepherd exudes a calculated, cold sexuality as Duane's glacial girlfriend, Jacy. The considered compositions recall John Ford's Grapes of Wrath and even Welles' Citizen Kane. Utterly moving, this subtle, elegant film is one of the best coming-of-age films Hollywood has ever turned out. 

— NZIFF 2007

FILM SOCIETY SCREENINGS

Hamilton   
Monday, 5 September, 7.30pm
More CLASSIC & CULT >>