Licorice Pizza: A Tasty Slice of 1970s LA Life (minus the pizza and licorice)
Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest flick, Licorice Pizza, isn’t about pizza or licorice—well, at least not on the menu. Instead, it’s a love‑letter to the quirkiest characters and moments of suburban 1970s Los Angeles. The title itself felt right for a story that feels like a secret family recipe.
How the Title Came Together
- Alana Haim, who’s stepping into the spotlight as the sharp‑tongued, quick‑wit lead, recalled the moment they settled on the name.
- “We were all looking at titles, and then Licorice Pizza popped up. It felt like the one, instantly,” she said, 29.
- The title actually hails from a once‑premium record store in San Fernando Valley.
What the Film Feels Like
Critics have crowned this one the most hilarious and personal film in Anderson’s 30‑year watchlist. It’s gathered spots on several 2021 top‑movie lists and is poised for Oscar‑gold next year.
The narrative follows a slightly off‑beat love story between Haim’s photographer assistant and a 15‑year‑old aspiring entrepreneur, played by Cooper Hoffman (the son of the late Philip Seymour Hoffman).
The Fantastic Cameos
- Sean Penn and Bradley Cooper make memorable guest appearances.
- They’re the larger‑than‑life folks superimposed over summer shenanigans involving waterbeds, pinball machines, gasoline shortages, city politics, and first‑love jitters.
Haim’s Character Breakdown
When asked about her role, Haim painted an image of a force to be reckoned with:
“Her character is ferocious, strong, and knows a lot about the world yet is clueless at the same time.”
She added, “It’s a ridiculously complex part.”
Behind the Scenes
- Anderson, who’s crafty enough to make a comedy like Punch Drunk Love and a drama such as There Will Be Blood, has a long‑time connection with the Haim family.
- He’s even directed music videos for the band Haim.
- Haim’s inclusion in the movie was almost serendipitous—she didn’t even picture herself on the screen until she saw her name on the script.
With the soundtrack humming and the energy high, Licorice Pizza lands in U.S. theaters on December 25th, ready to deliver a joyful, nostalgic binge you’ll want to watch over and over.
