Results for "small-town America"
Film Encyclopedia Entry 1776431112
** "The Last Picture Show" is a 1971 American coming-of-age drama film written and directed by Peter Bogdanovich, based on the 1966 novel of the same name by Larry McMurtry. **CONTENT:** ### Overview "The Last Picture Show" is a poignant and powerful film that explores the lives of a group of high school students in a small Texas town in the 1950s. The movie follows the story of Sonny Crawford (Timothy Bottoms), a young man struggling to find his place in the world, as he navigates the complexities of adolescence, relationships, and the decline of small-town America. With its nuanced characters, poetic dialogue, and stunning cinematography, "The Last Picture Show" is a masterpiece of American cinema that has captivated audiences for decades. The film's title, "The Last Picture Show," refers to the closing of the local movie theater, a symbol of the town's decline and the loss of innocence of its youth. Through its exploration of themes such as identity, community, and the American Dream, "The Last Picture Show" offers a powerful commentary on the social and cultural changes of the 1960s and 1970s. With its talented cast, including Ben Johnson, Cloris Leachman, and Cybill Shepherd, the film is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of classic American cinema. ### History/Background "The Last Picture Show" was written and directed by Peter Bogdanovich, a young filmmaker who had previously worked as an assistant to Alfred Hitchcock and a critic for Esquire magazine. Bogdanovich's vision for the film was to create a nuanced and realistic portrayal of small-town America, drawing on his own experiences growing up in a similar community in Texas. The film was shot on location in Archer City, Texas, and features a talented cast of young actors, many of whom were making their film debuts. The film's production was marked by a number of challenges, including a tight budget and a grueling shooting schedule. Despite these obstacles, Bogdanovich and his cast and crew managed to create a film that is both poignant and powerful, with a strong sense of place and a deep understanding of the human experience. ### Key Information - **Release Date:** December 15, 1971 - **Running Time:** 165 minutes - **Genre:** Coming-of-age drama - **Cast:** Timothy Bottoms, Ben Johnson, Cloris Leachman, Cybill Shepherd, Sam Bottoms, Gary Busey - **Awards:** 8 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director - **Box Office:** $9.4 million (worldwide) "The Last Picture Show" is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, and its influence can be seen in many subsequent coming-of-age dramas. The film's success can be attributed to its nuanced characters, poetic dialogue, and stunning cinematography, which capture the essence of small-town America in the 1950s. ### Significance "The Last Picture Show" is significant for a number of reasons, including its nuanced portrayal of small-town America, its exploration of themes such as identity and community, and its influence on subsequent coming-of-age dramas. The film's success can be seen in its Academy Award nominations and its enduring popularity, which has made it a classic of American cinema. In addition, "The Last Picture Show" is significant for its role in launching the careers of its cast and crew. The film marked the debut of a number of young actors, including Timothy Bottoms and Cybill Shepherd, and cemented the reputation of director Peter Bogdanovich as a master of American cinema. **INFOBOX:** - **Name:** The Last Picture Show - **Type:** Coming-of-age drama - **Date:** 1971 - **Location:** Archer City, Texas - **Known For:** Nuanced portrayal of small-town America, exploration of themes such as identity and community, influence on subsequent coming-of-age dramas **TAGS:** American cinema, coming-of-age drama, Peter Bogdanovich, Larry McMurtry, small-town America, identity, community, Academy Award nominations, classic film, American Dream.
PeopleFigures Encyclopedia Entry 1779229505
** Figures is a 1962 American musical drama film directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, starring Marlon Brando, Janet Leigh, and Harry Guardino, based on the 1947 novel of the same name by James Gould Cozzens. **CONTENT:** ## Overview Figures is a critically acclaimed American film that explores the complexities of human relationships, ambition, and the American Dream. Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, the movie is based on the 1947 novel of the same name by James Gould Cozzens. The film features an all-star cast, including Marlon Brando, Janet Leigh, and Harry Guardino, and was released in 1962. Figures is a thought-provoking drama that delves into the lives of a group of people connected to a small town in the United States, offering a nuanced portrayal of the human condition. The film's narrative is a masterful blend of character-driven storytelling, exploring the intricate web of relationships between its characters. At its core, Figures is a film about the search for identity, belonging, and the pursuit of happiness. Through its characters, the movie raises important questions about the nature of human connection, the consequences of ambition, and the fragility of the American Dream. ## History/Background James Gould Cozzens' novel "Figures of Earth" was first published in 1946, and it quickly gained critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of American society. The novel's success caught the attention of Joseph L. Mankiewicz, who saw an opportunity to adapt the book into a film. Mankiewicz, known for his work on films such as "All About Eve" and "Guys and Dolls," brought his signature style and wit to the project, crafting a screenplay that stayed true to the spirit of Cozzens' novel. The film's production was a collaborative effort, with a talented cast and crew working together to bring the story to life. Marlon Brando, in particular, delivered a standout performance as John Calder, a complex and multifaceted character. Brando's portrayal of Calder is a testament to his skill as an actor, bringing depth and nuance to a character that is both flawed and relatable. ## Key Information - **Release Date:** Figures was released on February 14, 1962, in the United States. - **Cast:** Marlon Brando, Janet Leigh, Harry Guardino, and Margaret Whiting. - **Director:** Joseph L. Mankiewicz. - **Screenplay:** Joseph L. Mankiewicz, based on the novel by James Gould Cozzens. - **Genre:** Drama, Musical. - **Running Time:** 123 minutes. - **Rating:** Approved by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) for general audiences. ## Significance Figures is a significant film in the history of American cinema, offering a nuanced portrayal of the human condition. The movie's exploration of themes such as identity, belonging, and the pursuit of happiness resonated with audiences in the early 1960s, and its influence can still be seen in films today. Figures is also notable for its all-star cast, featuring some of the most talented actors of the time. In terms of its historical significance, Figures offers a unique window into the American experience of the 1960s. The film's portrayal of small-town America, with its intricate web of relationships and complex social dynamics, provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of ordinary people during this period. Figures is a testament to the power of film to capture the human experience, and its enduring legacy is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of its creators. **INFOBOX:** - **Name:** Figures - **Type:** American film - **Date:** 1962 - **Location:** United States - **Known For:** Nuanced portrayal of the human condition, exploration of themes such as identity, belonging, and the pursuit of happiness. **TAGS:** American cinema, drama, musical, Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Marlon Brando, Janet Leigh, James Gould Cozzens, novel adaptation, 1960s film, small-town America, human relationships, ambition, American Dream.
Arts & CultureFilm Encyclopedia Entry 1779062765
** "The Last Picture Show" is a 1971 American coming-of-age drama film written and directed by **Peter Bogdanovich**, set in a small Texas town in the 1950s, exploring themes of youth, love, and the decline of the American Dream. **CONTENT:** ### Overview "The Last Picture Show" is a poignant and powerful film that marked a significant turning point in American cinema. Released in 1971, it was written and directed by **Peter Bogdanovich**, a rising star in the film industry at the time. The movie is set in the fictional town of Thalia, Texas, in the early 1950s, and follows the lives of a group of high school students struggling to find their place in the world. The film's narrative is a nuanced exploration of the human experience, tackling themes of love, loss, and the decline of the American Dream. The movie features a talented ensemble cast, including Timothy Bottoms, Jeff Bridges, and Cybill Shepherd, who would go on to become a household name. The film's cinematography, handled by **Robert Surtees**, is breathtaking, capturing the stark beauty of the Texas landscape and the faded grandeur of the small town's main street. The score, composed by **Benjamin Frankel**, adds to the film's emotional depth, perfectly capturing the mood and atmosphere of each scene. ### History/Background The idea for "The Last Picture Show" was born out of **Peter Bogdanovich**'s own experiences growing up in Texas. The film is loosely based on the novel of the same name by **Larry McMurtry**, which explores the lives of a group of high school students in a small Texas town in the 1950s. Bogdanovich was drawn to the novel's themes of youth, love, and the decline of the American Dream, and saw an opportunity to create a film that would capture the spirit of a bygone era. The film was shot on location in Thalia, Texas, and surrounding areas, with a cast and crew that included many up-and-coming talent. The movie's production was marked by a sense of camaraderie and creative freedom, with Bogdanovich giving his cast and crew a great deal of latitude to experiment and try new things. ### Key Information * **Release Date:** December 29, 1971 * **Running Time:** 165 minutes * **Genre:** Coming-of-age drama * **Cast:** Timothy Bottoms, Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd, Ben Johnson, Cloris Leachman * **Cinematography:** Robert Surtees * **Score:** Benjamin Frankel * **Awards:** 8 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director * **Box Office:** $8.5 million (worldwide) ### Significance "The Last Picture Show" is a landmark film that marked a significant turning point in American cinema. It was one of the first films to explore the themes of youth, love, and the decline of the American Dream, and its influence can be seen in many films that followed. The movie's use of location shooting and naturalistic acting style also helped to establish a new standard for film production. The film's impact extends beyond the world of cinema, as it captured the mood and atmosphere of a particular moment in American history. The movie's exploration of the decline of the American Dream resonated with audiences, who were grappling with the changing values and social norms of the 1970s. **INFOBOX:** - Name: The Last Picture Show - Type: Coming-of-age drama - Date: 1971 - Location: Thalia, Texas - Known For: Exploring themes of youth, love, and the decline of the American Dream **TAGS:** American cinema, coming-of-age drama, Peter Bogdanovich, Larry McMurtry, Texas, small-town America, youth culture, love story, American Dream, landmark film, film history, cinematography, score, awards, box office.