Released in 2021, Licorice Pizza marks the great return of Paul Thomas Anderson after Phantom Thread in 2017. Known for his nuanced stories and his mastered visual style, the American director this time immerses us in a brighter universe, inspired by his own childhood memories in the San Fernando Valley, California.
The film follows Gary Valentine (Cooper Hoffman), a resourceful and dreamy teenager, who falls under the spell of Alana Kane (Alana Haim), an older young woman, a little lost in her life. As they get closer, the line between friendship and romance becomes blurred, as they navigate a '70s Los Angeles filled with eccentric encounters and sometimes absurd situations.
The title of the film, Licorice Pizzarefers to a chain of Californian record stores of the time, reinforcing the nostalgic ambiance and retro soundtrack of the feature film. Anderson chose to shoot on 35mm film, which gives the image a grainy and warm texture, typical of 70s cinema.
Visually, the film stands out with its careful wide shots and natural lighting, capturing the carefree spirit of the era while highlighting the emotional flaws of the characters. Far from the complex plots of his previous works (Magnolia, There Will Be Blood), Paul Thomas Anderson delivers here a simpler but deeply sincere story.
Bold casting and critical recognition
One of the big surprises of the film lies in its casting, carried by two beginners : Cooper Hoffman, son of the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Alana Haim, previously known as a member of the musical group HAIM. Despite their lack of cinematic experience, the two actors deliver remarkable performances, with a sincere chemistry which gives all its strength to the story.
The film also benefits from notable supporting roles, notably Bradley Cooper in a crazy performance from producer Jon Peters, and Sean Penn in the role of an old Hollywood actor nostalgic for his past glory.
On the critical side, Licorice Pizza was unanimously praised for its freshness and its subtle approach to human relations. The film stalled three major nominations for the 2022 Oscars :
- Best film
- Best Director pour Paul Thomas Anderson
- Best Original Screenplay
Although he left empty-handed, Licorice Pizza has established itself as a flagship film of the year, often compared to cult works like American Graffiti or Dazed and Confused. Its broadcast this evening on France 5 therefore marks an event for film buffs, the work having never been broadcast unencrypted before.
A good way to wait before being able to discover the new PTS film, currently filming, and starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
