Licorice Pizza, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, is a coming-of-age romantic drama set in the San Fernando Valley during the 1970s. The film stars Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman, exploring the complexities of young love, ambition, and personal growth. With its nostalgic setting, unique storytelling, and captivating performances, Licorice Pizza has garnered significant attention and praise. Here are 20 interesting facts about Licorice Pizza that you may not know:
- Licorice Pizza is written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, known for his critically acclaimed films such as Boogie Nights, Magnolia, and There Will Be Blood.
- The film is set in the San Fernando Valley during the 1970s, an area and time period that Anderson grew up in and has explored in several of his previous films.
- Licorice Pizza is inspired by the coming-of-age experiences of Gary Goetzman, a Hollywood producer who began his career as a young entrepreneur in the entertainment industry.
- Alana Haim, a member of the band HAIM, makes her acting debut as Alana Kane in the film.
- Cooper Hoffman, the son of the late actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, also makes his acting debut as Gary Valentine.
- Paul Thomas Anderson had worked with Philip Seymour Hoffman on multiple films, making Cooper Hoffman’s casting particularly significant.
- The film’s title, Licorice Pizza, is a reference to a chain of record stores that operated in Southern California during the 1970s and 1980s.
- Licorice Pizza features a diverse ensemble cast, including Sean Penn, Tom Waits, Bradley Cooper, and Benny Safdie.
- Bradley Cooper plays the role of Jon Peters, a real-life film producer and hairdresser who was romantically involved with Barbra Streisand during the 1970s.
- The film was shot on 35mm film, a format that Anderson has frequently used throughout his career to capture a distinct visual aesthetic.
- Jonny Greenwood, the guitarist of Radiohead, composed the film’s original score. Greenwood has previously collaborated with Anderson on several other projects, including There Will Be Blood and Phantom Thread.
- The film was primarily shot on location in the San Fernando Valley, with many scenes taking place in real businesses and landmarks from the era.
- Licorice Pizza had a limited theatrical release in November 2021, followed by a wider release in December 2021.
- The film has received critical acclaim for its screenplay, direction, and performances, with many praising the chemistry between Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman.
- Licorice Pizza has been nominated for and won several awards, including Best Original Screenplay and Best Director at the Critics Choice Awards.
- Despite its nostalgic setting, the film explores themes such as ambition, personal growth, and the complexities of young love that resonate with contemporary audiences.
- The film’s costume and set designs were meticulously researched and created to accurately reflect the fashion and culture of the 1970s.
- Licorice Pizza has a runtime of 2 hours and 13 minutes.
- The film features several cameos from real-life figures in the entertainment industry, such as Christine Ebersole and Harriet Sansom Harris.
- Licorice Pizza is distributed by United Artists Releasing in the United States and by MGM internationally.
Licorice Pizza is not only a love letter to the San Fernando Valley and the 1970s but also a timeless exploration of the human experience, making it a must-see film for fans of Anderson’s work and moviegoers alike. With its memorable characters, authentic atmosphere, and compelling story, Licorice Pizza is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers for years to come.
