Last Picture ShowThis movie totally surprised me and that rarely happens. Of course, I had heard of it but I knew nothing about it. Somehow, nothing from it had ever filtered through popular culture.
To put it mildly I loved it. This is my favorite dictation since joining the forums.
I actually cant believe this film was made in 1971, let alone nominated for so many Oscars . It has to be one of the most sexual and erotic films ever nominated for best picture. The 1950's setting, and beautiful black and white cinematography, heighten the sexuality. Add to this the incredibly gorgeous Cybill Shepard, and you end up with highly sexualized film.
It has virgin sex, homosexuality, child sexual abuse, inter-generational affairs, extra-martial affairs, and full frontal nudity, both male and female. It was made in 1971! Not only does it contain all this sexuality, it is truthful in its depictions. The sex in the film is sometimes awkward, sometimes embarrassing, people dont know what they are doing. There is no "movie sex" .
While the whole cast is great, the women own this movie. Cybill Shepard is the star in my opinion. She is great as the misguided femme fatale who knows her sexuality is powerful, but has no idea how to use it. Eileen Brennan is charming as the waitress. Cloris Leachman is great as a woman trapped in a loveless marriage who needs sexual attention and turns to a teenage boy.
This is
THE coming of age sexuality film that all others should be measured against.
Grade:
A+