An aging horror icon, Boris Karloff, feels worn out and believes that contemporary life is more frightening than the classic movies he starred in, leading him to consider retirement. However, a director/writer, Peter Bogdanovich, encourages him to participate in a promotional event at a drive-in theater showing his latest film, “The Terror,” or simply read an unusual script. Unfortunately, a young man (Tim O'Kelly) has lost his mind and is on a killing spree, using the drive-in as his final target range. “Targets” (1968) stands out as a minor cult classic; it’s a self-aware postmodern work inspired by the “Texas Tower Sniper” incident of August 1, 1966, where fourteen people were killed and thirty-one others injured at the University of Texas at Austin. The character Bobby is modeled after that real-life killer, with the setting shifted to Southern California’s San Fernando Valley. I interpreted the film as a somber reflection on the state of affairs in America rather than an indictment of gun ownership. Just like Prohibition didn't stop people from obtaining alcohol, drug laws haven’t prevented illegal drug sales. Evil isn’t inherent in weapons—whether guns, knives, clubs, or rocks—but originates within individuals who intend to harm innocent people. It seems obvious that the most effective way to neutralize someone with a weapon is for another armed person to intervene, and I think it's true even if that person is an elderly man using a cane. A recent example of this occurred in Charleston, West Virginia, on May 25, 2022, when a woman stopped an active shooter before he could hurt anyone at an apartment complex. Restricting gun ownership would only affect law-abiding citizens; it wouldn’t stop people determined to commit violence from acquiring firearms through illegal channels. The film demonstrates this point when Bobby becomes panicked during the climax because some male viewers have pulled out their legally owned guns to confront him. It's also worth noting that producer Roger Corman sold the movie to Paramount instead of releasing it through AIP. Following the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy, the studio released only six prints and included a statement advocating for gun control—a decision Director Bogdanovich had no involvement in. “Targets” functions as an intriguing psychological examination: What factors contribute to Bobby’s mental breakdown and his subsequent rampage? While his father has properly instructed him on firearm safety, he's also unintentionally fostered feelings of frustration and weakness within his son – a potential for disaster. The family’s rigid adherence to rules creates a tense atmosphere. If you pay attention, the clues are there. This film marked one of Karloff’s final roles; he passed away 5.5 months after its release at the age of 81. Fortunately, he portrays an engaging protagonist—a hero, even—rather than another generic villain. I also appreciated the humor brought by his character and Bogdanovich's, which provides a counterbalance to the bleakness of the rest of the story. Ultimately, the film explores the blurred lines between reality and art, examining the connection between real life and films. For example, the killer loading his rifle is mirrored by the projectionist loading the projector at the drive-in. It’s also about the decline in morals and the trivialization of existence in modern times—particularly in America and Western culture—where we've lost our sense of direction and purpose. The easy availability of firearms can unfortunately lead to violent outbursts stemming from suppressed frustration and anger that lies just beneath the surface for some seemingly ordinary people. Again, a person with a gun who is present at the scene seems like the most effective way to stop such incidents with minimal loss of life. That’s all I have to say about it. The film has a running time of 1 hour and 29 minutes and was filmed in Los Angeles locations including Van Nuys, Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Reseda. GRADE: B

Source on TMDB