The Sunset Wasn’t Real
Coppola wanted the closing scene of the film to be painted in a beautiful purple-orange sunset. But because sunsets in Oklahoma don’t last for very long, the scene was done with the help of a large rear screen projection. It created the perfect environment for Ponyboy and Johnny to gaze into the horizon and contemplate.
Coppola had to cut out a lot of scenes due to the studio’s demands, but this was one he insisted on keeping. And we’re glad he decided to do so! It was the perfect closure to a film that started out in a similar setting and is arguably one of the greatest sunset scenes of all time.