Tonight on TV: news, it’s the latest film from one of the greatest directors on the planet

Released in 2021, Licorice pizza marks the great return of Paul Thomas Anderson after Ghost thread in 2017. Known for his nuanced stories and masterful visual style, the American director this time immerses us in a brighter universe, inspired by his childhood memories in the San Fernando Valley, California.

The film follows Gary Valentine (Cooper Hoffman), an enterprising and dreamy teenager, who falls under the spell of Alana Kane (Alana Haim), an older young woman, a little lost in her life. As they grow closer, the line between friendship and romance becomes increasingly blurred, as they travel through 1970s Los Angeles full of eccentric encounters and sometimes absurd situations.

The title of the film, Licorice pizzarefers to a chain of Californian record stores of the time, reinforcing the nostalgic atmosphere and retro soundtrack of the film. Anderson chose to shoot on 35mm film, which gives the image a grainy, warm texture typical of 1970s cinema.

Visually, the film stands out with its careful wide shots and natural lighting, capturing the lighthearted spirit of the era and highlighting the emotional flaws of the characters. Far from the complex plots of his previous works (Magnolia, There will be blood), Paul Thomas Anderson tells a simpler but deeply sincere story here.

Bold cast and critical recognition

One of the great surprises of the film lies in the casting, carried out by him two beginners : Cooper Hoffman, son of the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Alana Haim, formerly known as a member of the musical group HAIM. Despite their lack of cinematic experience, the two actors deliver remarkable performances, with a sincere chemistry that gives the story its strength.

The film also benefits from strong supporting roles, notably Bradley Cooper in the madcap performance of producer Jon Peters, and Sean Penn in the role of an old Hollywood actor nostalgic for his past glory.

On the critical side, Licorice pizza was unanimously praised for its freshness and its subtle approach to human relationships. The movie crashed three important nominations for the 2022 Oscars :

• Best film
• Best director for Paul Thomas Anderson
• Best Original Screenplay

Even if he left empty-handed, Licorice pizza has established itself as the top film of the year, often compared to cult works such as American graffiti OR Stunned and confused. Its broadcast this evening on France 5 therefore marks an event for cinema fans, given that the work has never been broadcast free-to-air.

A good way to wait before discovering the new PTS film, currently filming, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.