Licorice Pizza is a 2021 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman starred in their film debut, and there is also a supporting cast that includes Sean Penn, Tom Waits, Bradley Cooper and Benny Safdie. Produced in 1973, the film tells the story of a young couple’s relationship development.
The Plot of Licorice Pizza
1973, 15-year-old actor Gary Valentine prepares for a high school photo shoot in the San Fernando Valley. He sees her and flirts with Alana Kane, the assistant of a 20-year-old photographer. He rejects her offer but eventually meets her at dinner and befriends her, realizing that Alana can’t be a romantic couple. Gary is preparing for a press tour of the film starring Lucy Doolittle. When Gary’s mother, Anita, can’t take him to a play in New York, he invites Alana to go with her. On the plane, Alana meets Lance, one of Gary’s colleagues. Lance seems to be interested in her. The two return from New York and start dating, which makes Gary jealous. But after an awkward dinner with Alana’s family, she and Lance broke up.
The cast of Licorice Pizza
- Alana Haim plays the photographer’s assistant Alana Kane.
- Cooper Hoffman portrays Gary Valentine, a high school student, as infatuated with Alana. Valentine is based on Gary Goetzman, a movie producer and erstwhile child actor.
- Sean Penn performs as William Holden’s actor doppelganger Jack Holden.
- Tom Waits portrays Mark Robson-like movie director Rex Blau in the role.
- Producer Jon Peters is portrayed by Bradley Cooper.
- Joel Wachs, a politician, vying for mayor of Los Angeles, is played by Benny Safdie.
- As Lance Brannigan, Skyler Gisondo
- Momma Anita is played by Mary Elizabeth Ellis.
- Jerry Frick, a Los Angeles tycoon who founded the Mikado Hotel and Restaurant in 1963, is portrayed by John Michael Higgins. The Mikado was the San Fernando Valley’s first Japanese restaurant.
- Christine Ebersole portrays Lucy Doolittle, a Lucille Ball-like actress.
- Mary Grady, Valentine’s agent, is played by Harriet Sansom Harris. Grady, the mother of actresses Don Grady and Lani O’Grady, was a child talent agent in Hollywood.
- Steve, played by Ryan Heffington
- As Brian, Nate Mann
- Matthew is Joseph Cross.
- Sue Pomerantz is played by Isabelle Kusman.
- Frisbee Kahill is played by Destry Allyn Spielberg.
- Mr Jack, played by George DiCaprio.
- Brenda, the waterbed helper, played by Iyana Halley
- As B. Mitchel Reed, Ray Chase
- Brenda, the flight attendant, played by Emma Dumont
- Mioko, Frick’s first wife, played by Yumi Mizui
- Kimiko, second wife of Frick, played by Megumi Anjo
- Gale, Vic’s assistant, is played by Maya Rudolph.
- Vic, a casting director, played by Tim Conway Jr.
- As Kiki Page, Emily Althaus
- Greg Valentine, Gary’s younger brother, played by Milo Herschlag
Postives of Licorice Pizza
The acting is tremendous, and he does whatever it takes to keep the audience focused on the story. Anderson maintains a close relationship with Alana and has recorded many music videos for her pop rock band Haim’s. Anderson seems to have written the role with Alana in mind. His sisters Danielle and Este and parents Moti and Donna appear as his family in the film. With three Oscar nominations (Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay), this film is a fascinating cross-section of life filled with a fantastic mix of real life and real-life inspired by fictional characters.
Negatives of Licorice Pizza
Anderson uses these stereotypes without explaining them. This is a usability note and should be given enough time and attention to show that it likes to change the modern sensibility. Aside from the many splashes and changing laser effects like the OPEC oil crisis, puddles of water, palm trees cut down in the night sky, and stars that no longer shine, this moment is cheap and silly and adds nothing to the film. One of Anderson’s best scenes in “Licorice Pizza” is living in a corporate city like Los Angeles. Whether everyone is in business, wants to look or be, Hollywood and its promises are Gary, but with an interruption waiting, the rest become mid-level stars. Sean Penn is buzzing like an old studio, and Tom Waits and his friends are laughing next to him.
