[LaLaLand]

From the director of the classic Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Inherent Vice, There Will Be Blood, Phantom Thread and more comes a return to his treasured 1970's San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles for Paul Thomas Anderson.

Reportedly set in 1973/4 during the oil crisis (confirmed by set photos).

While few films have begun production, especially stateside where the coronavirus is still raging uncontrollably (like your freshman roommate in college), word has come out that Paul Thomas Anderson’s new 1970s-set ensemble drama has official started (via The Film Stage).

Based on photos people took this weekend, Anderson’s new film, with the codename Soggy Bottom, we can see that Bradley Cooper has reported for duty in his finest 70s attire (one of the only confirmed cast members, and only because people noticed him on set) and that musical group Haim, who have longstanding associations with Anderson (his mom was their teacher growing up and Anderson has since directed a number of music videos for the group and took the photo that adorns the cover of their brilliant new album), will have a cameo in the film.

...an untitled drama film depicting a high school student who becomes a famous child actor in the 1970s, portrayed by Cooper Hoffman.

Working/secretive title of "Soggy Bottom" or "The Night of Counting the Years"

Starring (more TBC - expect a HUGE ensemble cast in true Anderson style):

- Cooper Hoffman in lead role (movie debut, he's the son of the late, great Philip Seymour Hoffman who was a frequent collaborator with Anderson)
- Bradley Cooper as [rumoured] Jon Peters (film producer and former partner of Streisand) - or a character inspired by.
- Alanna Haim as [rumoured] Barbra Streisand - or a character inspired by.
- Benny Safdie as Joel Wachs (former LA councillor specialising in the arts and LGBT issues)

Filming has been taking place in the San Fernando Valley, predominantly the neighbourhood of Encino.

Excited for this!

[LaLaLand]

Bradley Cooper on set:

[LaLaLand]

Similarly to Tarantino's "Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood", the streets have been turned back a few decades in time.

However this time it's not 1969 Los Angeles, it's early 1970's San Fernando Valley:

[LaLaLand]

Hoffman and Haim filming:

[LaLaLand]

Comparison between Cooper and Peters:

[LaLaLand]

Idk what happens to Bradley but...

Spoiler:

[Mitchell]

Hope Nadiya and Val Stones are part of this

[LaLaLand]

Originally Posted by Mitchell

Hope Nadiya and Val Stones are part of this

[LaLaLand]

[LaLaLand]

Sean Penn has been spotted on set...

[LaLaLand]

Filming still underway:

[LaLaLand]

The movie has now been officially named, "LICORICE PIZZA" (official logo below).

Spoiler:

Licorice Pizza was an actual chain of record stores in Southern California back in the 1970's.

[LaLaLand]

The trailer has leaked (phone recorded by someone at the cinema) and it looks fantastic.

Just total chaos.

[LaLaLand]

TRAILER:

Youtube video

“Licorice Pizza is the story of Alana Kane and Gary Valentine growing up, running around and falling in love in the San Fernando Valley, 1973. Written and Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the film tracks the treacherous navigation of first love.”

[LaLaLand]

New poster (LOVE!) :

[LaLaLand]

There was a screening of this movie tonight in LA (followed by a Q&A with director and Haim).

Almost every review so far is 4 or 5 stars, massive praise. Amazing.

[arista]

"Reportedly set in 1973/4 during the oil crisis"


What a Great Time
Real Music

No Computer Music

Moog Keyboard Synthesizer
up and running

[LaLaLand]

Originally Posted by arista

"Reportedly set in 1973/4 during the oil crisis"


What a Great Time
Real Music

No Computer Music

Moog Keyboard Synthesizer
up and running

Absolutely. The soundtrack is fantastic according to reports.

[LaLaLand]

Speaking of the soundtrack - full details have been released and it looks absolutely fantastic. Some real 70’s (and earlier) gems here!

1. July Tree – Nina Simone (2:44)
2. Stumblin’ In – Chris Norman & Suzi Quatro (3:58)
3. Sometimes I’m Happy – Johnny Guarnieri (4:05)
4. Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive (feat. Vic Schoen & His Orchestra) – Bing Crosby & The Andrew Sisters (2:42)
5. Blue Sands (feat. Buddy Collette) – Chico Hamilton Quintet (6:36)
6. But You’re Mine – Sonny & Cher (3:04)
7. My Ding-A-Ling (Live At Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, CA/1967) (feat. Steve Miller Band) – Chuck Berry (4:38)
8. Peace Frog – The Doors (2:52)
9. Let Me Roll It – Paul McCartney (4:51)
10. Life On Mars? – David Bowie (3:52)
11. Slip Away – Clarence Carter (2:34)
12. Diamond Girl – Seal & Crofts (4:13)
13. Greensleeves – Mason Williams (2:45)
14. Barabajagal – Donovan (3:20)
15. Softly Whispering I Love You – Congregation (3:02)
16. Licorice Pizza – Jonny Greenwood (3:07)
17. If You Could Read My Mind – Gordon Lightfoot (3:51)
18. Walk Away – James Gang (3:35)
19. Lisa, Listen To Me – Blood, Sweat & Tears (2:58)
20. Tomorrow May Not Be Your Day – Taj Mahal (4:14)

[LaLaLand]

Bit more of a plot explanation from a new, exclusive interview with PTA himself by Variety (SPOILERS):

Spoiler:

Shot in the sprawling exurb of Los Angeles where Anderson was raised and lives with his family, “Licorice Pizza” centers on Gary Valentine, a teenage actor and entrepreneur, and Alana Kane, a 20-something woman he meets while waiting to have his school picture taken (she’s working as an assistant to the handsy photographer). Gary enlists Alana in his scheme: They start a waterbed company, audition for movies and get involved in a mayoral campaign. Set during 1973, amid great political change, shifts in popular culture and a gas crisis, their adventures cause them to brush up against old and new Hollywood. Sean Penn plays a William Holden doppelgänger, while Bradley Cooper portrays producer Jon Peters, the former hairstylist and boyfriend of Barbra Streisand, depicted as a libidinous id in polyester.

The result is a dramatic change of pace from much of Anderson’s other work, with the loose, funny, gloriously buoyant story of “Licorice Pizza” standing in contrast to the avarice and paranoia that he depicted in “There Will Be Blood” and “The Master,” or the Gothic romance at the center of “Phantom Thread.”

More in the interview here - Link

[LaLaLand]

The embargo for official reviews has been lifted and they're insane - an influx of 4 and (mostly) 5 stars.

This is going to be an Award Season frontrunner for sure. Maybe could be the movie that finally wins PTA *his* Oscar at last.

Alan Haim for a Best Actress nomination seems like a cert - she's a revelation according to most.

Can't wait to see this.

[LaLaLand]

97% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 32 reviews.

We love THE movie of 21/22.

[LaLaLand]

Three wins from the 2021 National Board of Review.

Best Film: LICORICE PIZZA

Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson, LICORICE PIZZA

Breakthrough Performance: Alana Haim & Cooper Hoffman, LICORICE PIZZA

[LaLaLand]

Originally Posted by LaLaLand

97% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 32 reviews.

We love THE movie of 21/22.

Update: 92% based on 89 reviews.

Insane. Hopefully this’ll be a big player come awards season.

[LaLaLand]

Out everywhere USA now, out here (UK) New Year’s Day.

Anyone across the pond seen this yet?

Has already won/been nominated for a load of awards.