Both films are 2 very different ways of tackling the same premise: A look at 50s smalltown America through multiple intertwining narratives. American Grafitti is nostalgic and polished while the Last Picture Show is cynical and grimy.
Both films are 2 very different ways of tackling the same premise: A look at 50s smalltown America through multiple intertwining narratives. American Grafitti is nostalgic and polished while the Last Picture Show is cynical and grimy.
Hmm... just on a gut level I'm going to go with Last Picture Show. I saw AG maybe about 25-ish years ago and while I remember sorta enjoying it in the moment, I never felt the need to re-watch it. I probably saw first Picture Show around the same time. I don't re-watch LPS much, but I'm usually interested when I come across an article or whatever about it.
Last edited by ed2962; 12-15-2020 at 07:46 PM.
It's been years since I've seen either, but I figure Last Picture Show probably is better than I remembered it and American Graffiti is likely worse than I remember also.
But it (AG)was first to tap into (exploit?) the faux 50's nostalgia that took over the 70's and a good bit of the 80's.
I don't think there is a contest. While American Graffiti was a fun, slice of life in 50s California, The Last Picture Show was a work of art. I can see where people liked AG more, and found it more entertaining, but superior movie? Not even close.
There came a time when the Old Gods died! The Brave died with the Cunning! The Noble perished locked in battle with unleashed Evil! It was the last day for them! An ancient era was passing in fiery holocaust!
Really good question. I've gotta go with Last Picture Show, as the characters just have more depth.
Sincerely,
Thomas Mets
The Last Picture Show is a significantly better film. It has higher stakes, more well developed characters and a tighter story. American Graffiti is fun, but I don't think any of the elements on their own are better.
How are these movies even comparable? There's a decade difference between the period of pop culture they're about (LAST PICTURE SHOW circa 1952, AMERICAN GRAFFITI 1962). I'm Canadian and I seem to have a better knowledge of American pop culture than your average American.