The Last Movie (1971) ***1/2 [Hopper Double Feature Pt. 1]

While I don't necessarily think it's a misunderstood masterpiece, there is no denying that Dennis Hopper's The Last Movie (1971) is fascinating (as much for the history of its creation and its reception as the movie itself). So too is the documentary The American Dreamer (1971)—made during post-production of TLM and presented in a style very similar to Hopper's films—which scarily portrays him to be not so different from Charles Manson. 

The Last Movie is a beautifully shot (in Peru), self-reflective, head trip that touches on colonialism, the destructive nature of the film industry, and some men's need to implode themselves. It's also narcissistic, rambling, and serves as a giant middle finger to traditional narrative filmmaking.

Recommended for fans of Easy Rider (1969), El Topo (1970) (review), and Out Of The Blue (1980) (review).

Dennis Hopper Films Ranked