Finding Your Way and Growing Up in Los Angeles

Cooper Hoffman and Alana Haim in
"Licorice Pizza"
Photo Credit: RottenTomatoes.com

Throughout writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson’s admirable career, he’s crafted stories that unfold on a rather sprawling scale, such as “Boogie Nights,” “Magnolia,” “There Will Be Blood,” and “Inherent Vice.”  He’s built a reputation on being a filmmaker of tremendous ambition when it comes to constructing his films through significant technical aspects and expansive stories. 

His latest film is on a smaller scale in terms of story, but nevertheless shows his continued talent as one of the finest directors working today.  Anderson returns with his comedy-drama, “Licorice Pizza,” a movie that soars on its two breakout lead performances and Anderson’s love for the era in which the film takes place.

In the San Fernando Valley in 1973, a young actor named Gary Valentine (Cooper Hoffman) meets and becomes friends with a photographer’s assistant named Alana Kane (Alana Haim).  When the two begin a friendship, they get into mischief, take on responsibilities, and traverse the culture of 1970s California.

Hoffman, son of Philip Seymour Hoffman (a frequent collaborator of Anderson’s), provides an endearing performance as Gary.  He gives his character an optimism that shows Gary’s go-getter persona, an individual who doesn’t know the meaning of the word “failure” and gives everything that he can to be successful.  Hoffman has an energetic screen presence that marks a wonderful debut, assuring audiences that he’s going to carry on his father’s film-acting legacy.  

Haim is the latest singer-turned-actress who proves to have a natural talent for the screen, giving her character an abundance of heart and humor.  While Haim does superb work in delivering her dialogue, whether it be with emotion, wit, or an acidic touch, some of her finest moments come when she just has to emote.  There are two memorable scenes of this, one towards the beginning of the movie and one towards the end, and it’s scenes like these that show how versatile of actress Haim can be.

The on-screen connection between Hoffman and Haim is one of the most notable aspects of this movie.  To have two inexperienced actors star in a movie and make it look so easy is a superb thing to witness.  The exchange of banter and tension between their characters makes for a pairing that’s equal parts comedic and dramatic, and the skills that they present will get you excited for what projects they’ll pursue next.

Bradley Cooper delivers an understatedly crazed supporting performance as former Hollywood producer Jon Peters.  With just a few minutes of screen time, Cooper shows a character who’s determined to have people know who he is and the power he wields.  It’s a fun performance that’s charged with a little bit of insanity, and Cooper commits to bringing out his character’s humorous intimidation.

The screenplay by Anderson somewhat meanders at times as the movie goes through Gary and Alana’s day-to-day lives.  However, his narrative excels in layering his two main characters with the complexities of growing up, whether it be working, dealing with family issues, or feeling aimless while others around you are on a successful path.  When dealing with this themes, Anderson imbues his screenplay with events and people from that time, such as the gas crisis and the election campaign of Joel Wachs (Benny Sadie), with both events having an impact on the story when they’re called upon.

As is common in Anderson’s films, he employs fluid long takes that allow the long discussions to  unfold, as well as to let us take in the scenery and Florencia Martin’s meticulous production design of the time period.  Between Anderson and fellow cinematographer Michael Bauman, they shot the movie on superb 35 mm film and created a ‘70s texture by employing older lens.  

With Anderson’s directing, he shows a passion for his setting (several of his movies take place in California), as well as a dedication to how he displays the time period.  What’s commendable is how, despite the terrific details that he presents for the ‘70s, this isn’t a movie that goes out of its way to show you how well it recreates this decade.  Rather, you can appreciate these features while focusing your attention on the events of the movie.

“Licorice Pizza” is a coming-of-age story that’s a wonderful example of established talent behind the camera molding new talent in front of it, and you’ll like this opportunity to travel the sunny streets with these characters. 

Grade: A-