With Licorice Pizza, Paul Thomas Anderson, the undisputed master of auteur cinema, plunges us into a bittersweet adventure tinged with 1970s nostalgia. This blend of comedy, drama and romance stars Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman, both newcomers to cinema, as well as a host of well-known figures such as Bradley Cooper, Sean Penn and Tom Waits. The film explores the twists and turns of first love between two young souls whom everything seems to oppose, in a vibrant and colorful California.
Licorice Pizza will be broadcast on Prime Video from December 1, 2024.
Synopsis: 1973, Los Angeles area. Alana Kane and Gary Valentine meet on the day of the boy's high school class photo. Alana is no longer in high school, but is trying to find her way while working as the photographer's assistant. Gary, on the other hand, already has acting experience, which he is quick to tell the girl to impress her. Amused and intrigued by his outsized confidence, she agrees to accompany him to New York for a TV show. But nothing goes according to plan...
Licorice Pizza will appeal above all to fans of nostalgic stories and auteur films. Lovers of 1970s California, independent cinema and atypical romances will find this a captivating work. Those who enjoyed Almost Famous or Lady Bird may find a similar atmosphere of lightness and emotional depth in this film.
However, audiences looking for classic storytelling or flamboyant staging may be put off by the pared-down style and sometimes eccentric characters that characterize Paul Thomas Anderson's films. The non-professional performances of the two young leads, Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman, bring a refreshingly raw spontaneity that differs from the big Hollywood productions.
This project marks a milestone in Paul Thomas Anderson's career, as he returns to his passion for the San Fernando Valley, a recurring setting in many of his films. The director also made a point of hiring non-professional actors and minimizing artifice on set, giving the work a palpable authenticity.
Among the film's many nods are iconic figures such as Tom Waits, as well as appearances by those close to the director, reinforcing the intimate, personal aspect of the project. Film fans will appreciate the multitude of references, from Clint Eastwood to the underground music scene of the 1970s.
With Licorice Pizza, Paul Thomas Anderson delivers a gentle, melancholy chronicle of budding love, supported by promising actors and authentic direction. The film promises to be an ode to youth and the unpredictability of life, appealing to all those looking for sincere, memorable stories.
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