Review of The Last Picture Show (1971) by Katie R — 07 Dec 2004

This is the latest movie I have checked off on my "classic movies I haven't seen yet" list. It was definitely not what I was expecting from a movie that has been so highly praised by Hollywood. It is very much anti-Hollywood; especially the ending that does not contain much resolve. The film also has no soundtrack, except for the music playing on the radio, usually in the car. It was shot in black and white, and the contrast between the two is muted presumably to add to the bleakness of the town, and the characters' lives. It is refreshing to see that the filmakers and actors used all their resources to make this saddest town in Texas.

The quiet, bleak nature of the film really adds to the story, and the film gets you invested in the characters despite its unconventional means. However, the bleak nature of the town and the people left me feeling quite depressed. It's definitely not a motivating story. I kept hoping that Sonny would make something out of that pool hall, or get the movie house running again. But I should have known that wasn't going to happen. At least something could have come along to help him move on like everyone else. Oh well, I'm making myself depressed just thinking about it.