155. Targets (1968) & The Last Picture Show (1971)

This week, we discuss the first two films from acclaimed American director Peter Bogdanovich.

The first is Targets (1968), a crime thriller starring Tim O'Kelly, Boris Karloff, Nancy Hsueh and Bogdanovich himself. The film depicts two parallel narratives which converge during the climax: one follows Bobby Thompson, a seemingly ordinary and wholesome young man who embarks on an unprovoked killing spree; the other depicts Byron Orlok, an iconic horror film actor who, disillusioned by real-life violence, is contemplating retirement.

The second is The Last Picture Show (1971), a coming-of-age drama adapted from the 1966 semi-autobiographical novel by Larry McMurtry. The film's ensemble cast includes Timothy Bottoms, Jeff Bridges, Ellen Burstyn, Ben Johnson, Cloris Leachman and Cybill Shepherd. Set in a small town in northern Texas from November 1951 to October 1952, it is a story of two high school seniors and long-time friends, Sonny Crawford (Bottoms) and Duane Jackson (Bridges).

 

Timestamps

What we’ve been watching (00:01:03) –  Anora, Juror #2, Scream, The Curse of Frankenstein, Hit Man

Targets (00:23:30)

The Last Picture Show (00:40:30)

Coin toss (01:18:05)

 

Links

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Justwatch.com – streaming and rental links - https://www.justwatch.com