The Last Picture Show
First screened in July 1999 / Most recently screened in May 2016
Director: Peter Bogdanovich. Cast: Timothy Bottoms, Cybill Shepherd, Jeff Bridges, Ben Johnson, Ellen Burstyn, Bill Thurman, Cloris Leachman, Eileen Brennan, Clu Gulager, Randy Quaid, Sam Bottoms. Screenplay: Larry McMurtry and Peter Bogdanovich (based on the novel by Larry McMurtry).

 Twitter Capsule: Indelible at moments, albeit very Sad Lad. I've warmed a bit but blatant striving for iconicity puts me off.

VOR: ⑤  Any study of U.S. cinema in the 1970s must reckon with this, even if its self-monumentalizing makes me loath to admit it. Something new in look, tone, locale, and cast.


Photo © 1971 Columbia Pictures

Not yet reviewed in full. Grade: B

(in July 1999: B–)
Academy Award Nominations and Winners:
Best Picture
Best Director: Peter Bogdanovich
Best Supporting Actress: Ellen Burstyn
★Best Supporting Actress: Cloris Leachman
Best Supporting Actor: Jeff Bridges
★Best Supporting Actor: Ben Johnson
Best Adapted Screenplay: Larry McMurtry & Peter Bogdanovich
Best Cinematography: Robert Surtees

Golden Globe Nominations and Winners:
Best Picture (Drama)
Best Director: Peter Bogdanovich
Best Supporting Actress: Ellen Burstyn
Best Supporting Actress: Cloris Leachman
★Best Supporting Actor: Ben Johnson
Most Promising Newcomer (Female): Cybill Shepherd

Other Awards:
New York Film Critics Circle: Best Supporting Actress (Burstyn); Best Supporting Actor (Johnson); Best Screenplay (tie)
National Society of Film Critics: Best Supporting Actress (Burstyn)
National Board of Review: Best Supporting Actress (Leachman); Best Supporting Actor (Johnson)
British Academy Awards (BAFTAs): Best Supporting Actress (Leachman); Best Supporting Actor (Johnson); Best Screenplay
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