zoom_in Click to enlarge

Targets

▲ ▼

description Targets Overview

Targets is a 1960s horror-crime thriller exploring themes of obsession and societal breakdown. The film juxtaposes the story of a disturbed young man’s murderous acts with the tragic downfall of a silent movie star. Its unsettling portrayal of violence and commentary on fame make it notable for fans of suspenseful narratives and psychological horror. It is particularly relevant to those interested in 1960s American cinema and investigations into the darker aspects of entertainment.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

info Targets Specifications

Country	United States
Year	1968

help Targets FAQ

Who plays Byron Orlok in Targets?

Boris Karloff portrays Byron Orlok, essentially playing a version of himself as an aging horror star disillusioned with the modern film industry. The 1968 film was released by Paramount Pictures and represents one of Karloff's later career performances.

Is Bobby Thompson in Targets based on a real person?

Yes, the character Bobby Thompson is loosely inspired by Charles Whitman, who carried out a mass shooting from the University of Texas clock tower in 1966. The film uses this real tragedy to explore how real-world violence had rendered old-school cinematic horror feel obsolete.

Was Targets Peter Bogdanovich's first movie?

Yes, Targets was the feature directorial debut of Peter Bogdanovich, who also co-wrote and appeared in the film. Producer Roger Corman allowed Bogdanovich to make the film partly by reusing leftover Boris Karloff footage from earlier Corman productions.

Where do the two storylines in Targets finally intersect?

The climactic confrontation takes place at a drive-in movie theater where Byron Orlok is making a promotional appearance. Bobby Thompson's shooting spree and Orlok's planned retirement from cinema converge at this location for the film's tense finale.

swap_horiz

Looking for Targets alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward