How Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘Licorice Pizza’ brings Valley life to the Oscars
Yes, Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Licorice Pizza†scored three nominations for best picture, directing and original screenplay, but the snub of breakout lead actress Alana Haim really got people talking.
She’s the soul of Anderson’s ‘70s-set love story in the Valley, which showcased the musician-turned-actress’ improv talent. Times critic Justin Chang called it “a quasi-romantic comedy and a shaggy-dog epic, a rise-and-fall portrait of a waterbed empire, a string of Hollywood tall tales, a peek inside the chambers of political power and — not to be redundant — a roundelay of men behaving badly.â€
Also featuring the debut screen performance of Cooper Hoffman — son of the late Oscar-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, who was a regular collaborator of Anderson’s dating back to “Hard Eight†and “Boogie Nights†— “Licorice Pizza†has been praised for its craft and laidback vibes. But it has also drawn sharp criticism for its questionable portrayal of two Asian characters and the blatantly racist character they share scenes with.
Previously nominated for directing “There Will Be Blood†and “Phantom Thread,†as well as multiple nominations for writing and producing, an Oscar win in any category this year would be Anderson’s first.
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Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman star in this winning ‘70s set San Fernando Valley romp.
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The creator: Paul Thomas Anderson’s hilarious and intimate ‘Licorice Pizza’ tour of the Valley
Landing the perfect title is just one of the challenges Paul Thomas Anderson discusses on a drive around Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley.
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The debate over ‘Licorice Pizza’ has reignited criticism of Hollywood representation at a time of heightened anti-Asian violence.
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The musician and first-time actress wanted “to try something,†so director Paul Thomas Anderson let her do her thing and kept it in the film.
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Production designer Florencia Martin took extra care to get the details of early ‘70s Valley right for director Paul Thomas Anderson.
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‘Licorice Pizza’ director Paul Thomas Anderson calls former L.A. City Council member Joel Wachs “an indispensable part of Valley history.†Yet the film’s portrayal isn’t always flattering.
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“I wanted to create something that would look like it’s already had a life beyond this decade,†says poster artist Kat Reeder.
