His light shone bright at the start of the so-called "New Hollywood" movement but was extinguished quickly as an early string of successes seemed to be followed by as many flops. Bogdanovich directed some fondly-remembered films, but outside of the 1970s he seemed to struggle. In that sense he was a little like his love-hate mentor Orson Welles.
What I'll remember him for most fondly is Targets - the rare horror film which is as heartfelt as it is terrifying. His genuine affection for Boris Karloff makes Targets more than just another thriller. I also enjoyed The Cat's Meow, which was something of a companion to Welles' Citizen Kane. It's great that Bogdanovich lived long enough to see Welles' film The Other Side of the Wind finally released, with Bogdanovich acting in a lead role. The accompanying documentary, They'll Love Me When I'm Dead was equally fascinating. And speaking of documentaries, Bogdanovich made a great one about Buster Keaton called The Great Buster; seek it out if you love silent comedies.
Rest in peace, Mr. Bogdanovich.
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