The Last Picture Shows

Description

Filmmaker Rustin Thompson travels across ten states, covering 10,825 miles to document the state of movie theaters in small-town America. His film, The Last Picture Shows, captures a variety of cinemas, including abandoned venues, those in disrepair, and others that are struggling to survive. He highlights theaters that, thanks to dedicated caretakers, continue to thrive as community hubs. Throughout the film, Thompson intersperses excerpts from Peter Bogdanovich’s 1971 classic, drawing connections between the past and present challenges facing the film exhibition industry. The documentary reflects on the cultural significance of these venues, revealing both the humor and the darkness of their situations. The film maintains a brisk pace as it showcases a range of experiences, from the neglected to the celebratory, portraying the enduring role of movie houses in American life.