Paul Thomas Anderson (“Phantom Thread”) promises the coming-of-age film of the year with the release of the trailer for “Licorice Pizza.”
Set in the San Fernando Valley, 1973, “Licorice Pizza” follows the story of two teens “growing up, running around and falling in love” according to the plot summary on IMDb. The two teens in question are Gary Valentine, played by Cooper Hoffman, and Alana Kane, played by Alana Haim (“Valentine”).
Both Hoffman and Haim will be making their film debuts in “Licorice Pizza,” which is something to keep an eye out for. Hoffman is the son of the late Philip Seymor Hoffman, who previously starred in Anderson’s “Boogie Nights,” “Magnolia,” “Punch-Drunk Love” and “The Master.” Anderson also previously worked with Haim on music videos for the band HAIM, composed of Haim and her two sisters. Anderson’s use of new talent is part of the reason that “Licorice Pizza” has such a provacotive feel. Other notable stars include Bradley Cooper (“A Star Is Born”), Sean Penn (“Milk”), John C. Reilly (“Wreck-It Ralph”), Maya Rudoplh (“Bridesmaids”) and Mary Elizabeth Ellis (“It’s Aways Sunny in Philadelphia”). The mixing of seasoned stars with up and coming actors makes for a promising and refreshing dynamic.
The recently released trailer sheds light on the story, but leaves just enough to the imagination to continue building suspense and intrigue. Although the coming-of-age genre may feel overdone at times, Anderson’s writing and cinematography have proven time and again that tradition does not have to be dull. Quick cut scenes offered audiences a glimpse into the film which appears to be packed with both witty dialogue and stunning visuals. The trailer alludes to a balance of action an inaction that perfectly encapsulate what it means to be growing up and falling in love. Contrasting scenes of teenagers having fun and doing schoolwork with scenes of arrests and motorcycle chases demonstrate an understanding of the imbalance that comes with growing up and learning to navigate life and emotions.
Underscored by David Bowie’s (“Fame”) “Life on Mars?,” the trailer instills confidence in a stellar soundtrack for the rest of the film. Radiohead’s (“Creep”) Johnny Greenwood is also set to compose the movie’s score after having worked on Anderson’s previous four films.
Following the release of “Phantom Thread” Anderson has a lot to live up to in terms of direction and writing. “Licorice Pizza” appears to offer all that and more. Performances from Hoffman, Haim and Cooper already appear to be both thought provoking and endearing based on the limited scenes shown in the trailer. This film is something that audiences should not only keep an eye out for, they should anxiously await it.
The film is anticipated to be released in select theaters Nov. 26 and will be released to greater audiences Dec. 25.
Image from MGM via YouTube
