Licorice Pizza saw the release of its trailer and poster today. It is written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson (There Will Be Blood, Punch Drunk Love). It appears to be the coming of age story of a child actor in high school. As life does, it throws him in the path of a fierce girl, and his life is turned completely sideways. The movie captures the emotion and confusion of being a teenage with the backdrop of California in the 1970s. IMDB has a lackluster, but accurate, summary.
Set in 1970s San Fernando Valley, the film follows a high school student, who is also a successful child actor.
A Ridiculous Name for an Impressive Film
Licorice Pizza has an impressive cast. Bradley Cooper (American Hustle), Ben Stiller (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty), Sean Penn (Milk), Maya Rudolph (Bridesmaids), John C. Reilly (Wreck-It Ralph), and Tom Waits (Wristcutters: A Love Story) lend their talents. Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman play our leads and make their big-screen debut.
Aside from writing and producing, Paul Thomas Anderson also serves as a producer. Joining him in that role are Daniel Lupi, Sara Murphy, JoAnne Sellar, and Adam Somner. MGM, BRON Studios, and Ghoulardi Film Company are the production companies involved.
Maybe it’s because I’m getting older, but I’m a sucker for these messy coming-of-age stories. It doesn’t hurt when there’s a powerful backing song like Bowie’s Life on Mars setting the tone for the trailer. I wasn’t expecting much when this popped onto my radar, but those two aspects have sold me. It’s like watching a sunset. Something about it just cues the nostalgia of a confusing age that held the promise of adventure. So as I wistfully drift down my own memory lane, I’ll leave you with this magical trailer for Licorice Pizza. Our paths will cross again once the film releases.