I’m going through the AFI Top 100 list and have come to #95, Peter Bogdanovich’s The Last Picture Show.  TCM.com gives this synopsis -

Changing times take their toll on high schoolers growing up in a small Western town.

I’ve been on a Peter Bogdanovich kick lately.  I recently watched Paper Moon, What’s Up Doc, Nickelodeon and Noises Off.  I enjoyed these movies a lot.  But I despised The Last Picture Show.  On the plus side, it had great cinematography, blocking, and performances along with inspired casting of future stars (Jeff Bridges, Randy Quaid, Cybill Shepherd).

It was nominated for 8 Academy Awards and won two – Best Supporting Actor (Ben Johnson) and Best Supporting Actress (Cloris Leachman) – both deserved.

I can’t say much more about the film.  I didn’t like it but I recognize that it was well done.  The depressing storyline and abundance of sexual content just wasn’t my style.  Roger Ebert has a good review of the film which can be found here.

I have to give the film props – it definitely made me feel something.  I’m glad I saw it but don’t care to see it again. If you are going to watch a Bogdanovich film, I recommend Paper Moon.  Fantastic film.  Should have been on the AFI Top 100 list.

What did you think of The Last Picture Show?