The Last Picture Show (1971)

On the second episode of our ERICSISTENTIALISM series -- where Eric confronts his quarter-life crisis through film -- we’re switching channels from THE TRUMAN SHOW to a very different kind of show altogether. THE LAST PICTURE SHOW (1971) is a film made in the 1970s, set in the 1950s, about the banality of life in small-town Texas, directed by a man from the big city in New York. Peter Bogdanovich’s frank coming-of-age drama is an important touchstone for both the New Hollywood movement of the 1970s, and Eric’s own personal journey discovering his love of cinema. Nathan and Dan join him to talk about the film’s timelessness and relatability, its gorgeously spare black-and-white cinematography, the evocative production design, the depth of feeling and empathy it has for its characters, and the extraordinary performances from its young cast of now legendary actors. So pass the pigskin, finish up your game at the pool hall, and grab yourself a burger from the diner because we’re all out of popcorn for our review of THE LAST PICTURE SHOW. Video Monsters is brought to you by the Chattanooga Film Festival and Central Cinema in Knoxville, TN. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or online at chattfilmfest.org and centralcinema865.com. Links for each of these can also be found on our pages, so be sure to follow us at videomonsterpod on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well. music for Video Monsters by Evan Simmons