You might have heard that it's Valentine's Day, which means romantic ruminations and reflections and perhaps an irresponsible outlay of cash in the humiliating pursuit of way more than a kiss goodnight. You know who you are. For others, it's a chance to look on at the utter futility of love in all its heart-shattering horror. We know who we are, and it's time to represent. To wit: Let's talk about the most pulverizing break-ups in cinema.
I'll just get right to my pick: Cloris Leachman letting Timothy Bottoms have it at the end of The Last Picture Show. No Valentine's Day is complete without a good, wracking cry, and I now can say I've had mine:
Mrs. Popper's classic "Never you mind" does technically open her relationship status with Sonny up to some ambiguity, but "You shouldn't have come here; I'm around that corner now" pretty much cements the deal for me every single time. I'd also argue it cemented Leachman's Oscar win for her performance; alas, that's a conversation for another time.
Your emotional mileage may and likely will vary, of course, so let's hear about it below. Life is too short for love.
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