In the movie, “The Last Picture Show” religion is depicted accurately, I think. But let’s not get that mixed up with God’s relationship with his creation through Jesus Christ.
The town as depicted is void of the perspective that comes from seeking God’s kingdom. The emptiness is excruciating.
The photo above is a scene with the two characters, Ruth and Sonny. Ruth is a 40 year old, lady who’s husband is the High school basketball and football coach, Sonny is one of the players on those teams, probably 18. If you don’t know the movie, here’s the details pertinent to my comment.
Sonny dumps Ruth without explanation or ceremony. He is confronted with the affair in a few different ways.
One in particular is Jacy’s Mom, Lois, who softly urges that Sonny did wrong in the way he ended things with Ruth.
In the photo above the forlorn Sonny is sullen, and discontent. Sorry for ill treating Ruth, and one or two deaths that have occurred during the timeline also.
The moral lesson is there. But what a sad lesson.
If you believe in a true conscience, and I do, this scene is an example of a culturally imposed conscience. The true wound is infidelity, adultery, betrayal…
If you take this movie’s message to heart, and “do things right” you will have your sexual affairs, and end them honourably. You will seize the moment, without regrets.
And you will be just empty and lost in the end as any and all depicted.
Running Down Vimy 