The Last Picture Show: A Look Back (1999) (V)

User Rating:

7.1/10   

Director:

Laurent Bouzereau

Writer:

Laurent Bouzereau (writer)

Genre:

Documentary | Short

Plot Keywords:

Coming Of Age | Film Making | 1950s | Behind The Scenes | Small Town

Cast

Peter Bogdanovich	...	Himself
Eileen Brennan	...	Herself
Jeff Bridges	...	Himself
Ellen Burstyn	...	Herself
Cloris Leachman	...	Herself
Frank Marshall	...	Himself
Cybill Shepherd	...	Herself

Runtime:

USA:64 min

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White | Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Company:

Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment

Movie Connections:

References Citizen Kane (1941)

Great for Bogdanovich Fans and Aspiring Filmmakers

The Last Picture Show is a classic film. Peter Bogdanovich is a great force in modern cinema. This documentary tells the story of how the picture was made. The casting took place in Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, and Dallas. Some non-professionals were cast along with seasoned actors and the beautiful newcomer, Cybill Shepherd. This documentary is narrated by Bogdanovich with interview clips from all the main characters in the movie. The film was shot in Archer City, Texas for 11 weeks leaving the cast to deal with the same isolation and boredom that the characters face. The documentary is basically a testament of the hardships of the film. Mainly the struggle Bogdanovich had with his crew and his producers. It's pointless to name all the details of the documentary, but I'll help immortalize 2 responses Orson Welles gave to Bogdanovich when the young director was looking for guidance during this picture. The first scenario involved Bogdanovich's view to lean towards black and white instead of color. Orson Welles knew that color couldn't capture the depth of field that Bogdanovich wanted. Bogdanovich kept insisting to Welles that the studio would forbid him to shoot in black and white. Welles then asked, "Did you ask to shoot in black and white?" Bogdanovich did not ask, and he quickly did ask later and was given approval. Another scenario explained by Bogdanovich near the end of the documentary was a discussion with Welles about Greta Garbo. Welles adored Greta Garbo to a high extent, but Bogdanovich retorted and said, "She was great, but it's too bad she was only in 2 great pictures." Orson Welles replied, "You only need one good one, don't you?" I am not denying Bogdanovich's genius, but it's sad that Orson Welles is gone. He gave great advice like this to many young directors. Almost like the step-father of the cinema