The Last Picture Show: How Final Movie Choices Reveal Cultural Trends
What was the last movie Kurt Cobain saw? Franz Kafka? These seemingly morbid questions are the starting point for British artist and filmmaker Stanley Schtinter’s documentary, Last Movies, which premiered at CPH:DOX in Copenhagen. The film, narrated by Jeremy Irons, explores a darkly humorous premise: could the 20th century – and beyond – be remapped based on the final films watched by iconic figures before their deaths?
A Darkly Humorous Alternative Timeline
Last Movies isn’t simply a list of final viewings. It’s a thought experiment. Schtinter’s work, based on a book of the same name, proposes a radical re-evaluation of history, suggesting that the “random” films chosen by individuals facing their final moments can reveal unexpected patterns and insights. The CPH:DOX website describes the film as offering “a darkly humorous, alternative timeline,” where film history is determined not by critical acclaim or box office success, but by the last images imprinted on the minds of those who have left the world.
The Inspiration Behind the Project
The idea originated from a fascination with the details surrounding the assassination of Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme. Schtinter wondered not just about the circumstances of his death, but what Palme had been watching at the cinema beforehand. This sparked a broader investigation, leading him to discover the legend of Ian Curtis of Joy Division watching Werner Herzog’s Stroszek on the night he died.
Schtinter’s research involved extensive library work, poring over biographies, newspapers, and even contacting individuals who were present with the figures in question. He notes that the project “parasitizes the predatory relationship the dominant screen culture encourages people to have with its stars,” acknowledging the intense scrutiny often afforded to public figures’ final hours.
Rewriting History From Below
The film challenges traditional historical narratives, questioning the authority of established accounts and advocating for a re-examination of history “from below.” Schtinter cites historian Peter Linebaugh’s concept of shedding a “satanic light” on power structures, encouraging a critical perspective on those who wield control. This approach resonates with a growing desire to deconstruct conventional narratives and explore alternative perspectives.
Chance, Myth, and the Rewilding of Imagination
Schtinter emphasizes the role of chance in both life and the selection of final films. He initially envisioned the project as a series of screenings, with the deceased headlining the film they last watched (e.g., Kurt Cobain presenting Jane Campion’s The Piano). This was intended as a “technology for rewilding the imagination,” encouraging viewers to connect with the final experiences of others without explanation or guidance.
The Power of the Cinematic Experience
Despite the digital age, Schtinter remains a staunch advocate for the traditional cinematic experience. He expresses a preference for film viewed on the considerable screen, music listened to on vinyl, and words read in print. He views these formats as offering a depth and quality that is often lost in the pursuit of technological “progress.”
Beyond the Film: A Broader Cultural Commentary
Last Movies touches upon broader themes of pop culture iconography, referencing figures like JFK, Donald Trump, and brands like Nike. Schtinter insists that these inclusions are a matter of chance, reflecting the inherent randomness of the project rather than any deliberate selection based on personal interest or cultural significance. He describes the cultural landscape as a “pig’s trough,” emphasizing his detachment from value judgments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Last Movies about? It’s a documentary that explores what film history might look like if it were determined by the last movies celebrities and cultural figures watched before they died.
- Who narrates the film? Jeremy Irons provides the narration.
- Is the film based on a book? Yes, it’s based on Stanley Schtinter’s book of the same name.
- What is Schtinter’s main argument? He suggests that re-examining history through the lens of these final viewings can reveal hidden patterns and challenge traditional narratives.
Pro Tip: Consider the last movie *you* watched. Does it resonate with your current state of mind or reflect any significant events in your life? This exercise can offer a personal connection to the themes explored in Last Movies.
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