Licorice Pizza 2021
Directed by
Paul Thomas Anderson
Made by
United Artists Releasing
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Licorice Pizza (2021). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In San Fernando Valley, 1973, a group of boys eagerly awaits their moment in front of the camera while a couple of their peers mischievously detonate a cherry bomb in the bathroom. Among them, Gary Valentine (Cooper Hoffman) finds himself drawn to the photographer’s assistant, Alana Kane (Alana Haim). Despite their age difference—15 and 25—Gary’s charm manages to persuade Alana to spend time with him, albeit not on a romantic date.
The duo meets at a restaurant familiar to Gary, where they engage in conversation about their respective careers. Gary shares that he works with his mother, Momma Anita (Mary Elizabeth Ellis), at a public relations firm. Promising that they won’t forget each other, they take a stroll home, giving a glimpse into their lives: Alana resides with her parents and two sisters, while Gary lives with his brother, Greg (Milo Herschlag). Their professional dynamic shines through when Gary and Anita discuss their partnership with restaurant owner Jerry Frick (John Michael Higgins) about launching a new Japanese eatery. Jerry’s treatment of his wife, Mioko (Yumi Mizui), soon becomes evident through his off-putting accents.
Unexpectedly, when Anita cannot accompany Gary to a New York trip for auditions, Alana steps in. This leads to Gary reconnecting with his co-stars from “Under One Roof,” featuring the talented Lucille Dolittle (Christine Ebersole). His comedic antics grow more outrageous, culminating in a playful encounter that leads to a reprimand from Lucille. Meanwhile, Alana becomes acquainted with another actor, Lance (Skyler Gisondo), who enters the picture upon their return to California.
Their relationship soon faces strain when Alana’s Jewish upbringing clashes with Lance’s atheism during a family dinner. This dissonance ultimately pushes Alana to end things with him. Gary pivots, diving into the waterbed business alongside Alana and friends Kirk (Will Arangola) and Mark (Griff Giacchino). Together, they attend the “Soggy Bottom” expo, where the night takes a wild turn as Gary finds himself in legal trouble, only to be supported by Alana.
With Alana managing the business phone calls, Gary’s affection for her grows, despite their playful bickering regarding her potential nudity in films. An event where she unexpectedly kisses another guy out of jealousy showcases the complexity of their relationship. Alana’s pursuit of her ambitions leads her to audition for a role with Jack Holden (Sean Penn), who invites her into a whirlwind of Hollywood glamor, making her an object of admiration and envy.
A series of mishaps ensues, including an awkward delivery to Jon Peters (Bradley Cooper), which involves both peril and comedy. As Gary and Alana navigate their respective career hiccups—his waterbed business hit hard by the gas crisis and her political volunteer work—they find themselves drifting apart. However, in a twist of fate, they eventually cross paths at a movie theater, igniting the spark between them once more.
In a heartfelt reunion, Gary brings Alana back to his arcade, introducing her affectionately as “Mrs. Alana Valentine,” prompting a sweet, spontaneous kiss and reestablishing their bond. After a series of ups and downs, they declare their feelings, with Alana finally expressing her love for Gary, cementing their connection amidst the chaos of their youth.
Timeline
Track the key events of Licorice Pizza (2021) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Cherry Bomb Incident
In San Fernando Valley, 1973, a group of boys causes a commotion by mischievously detonating a cherry bomb in the bathroom. This act reflects the youthful recklessness and energy of the characters involved, setting the tone for the events that follow.
Gary's Infatuation
Among the group, Gary Valentine becomes infatuated with Alana Kane, a photographer's assistant. Despite their ten-year age gap, Gary's charm draws Alana into his world, beginning their unique relationship.
Dinner Conversation
Gary takes Alana to a restaurant he often visits, where they engage in deep conversations about their lives and careers. This meeting not only highlights their differences but also builds an unexpected bond between them.
Business Partnership
Gary and his mother, Momma Anita, discuss their partnership with restaurant owner Jerry Frick to launch a new Japanese eatery. This conversation reveals their ambitions and the influence of business in their lives.
Unexpected Trip
When Anita cannot accompany Gary to New York for auditions, Alana spontaneously steps in. This decision leads Gary to reconnect with his co-stars from 'Under One Roof', showcasing his growing career.
Reconnecting with Co-Stars
In New York, Gary’s comedic antics with his co-stars, such as Lucille Dolittle, escalate into a playful scenario that ends with a reprimand. This highlights Gary's humorous yet often impulsive personality.
Strain in Alana's Relationship
Back in California, Alana's relationship with Lance falters during a family dinner due to differing beliefs. This cultural clash leads Alana to make the tough decision to end things with him, emphasizing her search for clarity in her life.
Diving into Business
Taking charge of their futures, Gary and Alana team up with friends Kirk and Mark to dive into the waterbed business. Their ambition leads them to the 'Soggy Bottom' expo, where events spiral dramatically.
Legal Trouble
At the expo, Gary runs into legal trouble, creating tension and chaos. Alana’s support during this ordeal reveals the depth of their friendship and her loyalty towards Gary.
Jealousy Sparks Conflict
An unexpected event occurs where Alana kisses another guy out of jealousy, showcasing the complexities of their relationship. This incident forces both characters to confront their feelings for one another.
Alana's Hollywood Experience
Alana auditions for a role with Jack Holden, plunging into the glamorous yet chaotic world of Hollywood. This new experience begins to change Alana, making her both an object of admiration and envy.
Jon Peters Mishap
A series of comedic mishaps ensue during an awkward delivery to Jon Peters. This event mixes peril with humor, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of Gary and Alana's lives in show business.
Drifting Apart
As Gary faces troubles with his waterbed business amid the gas crisis and Alana gets wrapped up in political volunteer work, they begin to drift apart. This separation forces both to reflect on what they truly want.
Reunion at the Theater
In a surprising twist, Gary and Alana cross paths once more at a movie theater, reigniting the spark between them. This encounter brings back their unresolved feelings, setting the stage for another chapter in their story.
Declaration of Love
In a heartfelt moment, Gary affectionately introduces Alana as 'Mrs. Alana Valentine' at his arcade, culminating in a spontaneous kiss. This marks the moment they both finally express their love for each other, solidifying their connection amidst youthful chaos.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Licorice Pizza (2021) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Gary Valentine
Gary Valentine is a charismatic young man whose ambitions lead him through various adventures in 1970s Hollywood. His charm and determination make him an appealing character, but his youth also reveals moments of insecurity as he navigates his feelings for Alana.
Alana Kane
Alana Kane is a complex character torn between her ambitions and her affections for Gary. At 25, she finds herself at a crossroads, balancing her aspirations in Hollywood with her tumultuous relationship with a younger man.
Jack Holden
Jack Holden is a seasoned actor who embodies the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. His interactions with Alana reveal the intoxicating yet challenging nature of fame, serving as a contrasting figure to Gary's youthful energy.
Lance
Lance is an actor who briefly enters Alana's life, representing the various romantic entanglements she navigates as she seeks her own path. His atheism brings conflict to their relationship, highlighting the differences in their backgrounds.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Licorice Pizza (2021), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1973
The year 1973 was marked by significant cultural shifts in America, characterized by a wave of new youth movements and burgeoning creativity in film and music. The landscape of Los Angeles was changing, as young filmmakers began exploring themes of love, ambition, and the struggles of adolescence.
Location
San Fernando Valley
San Fernando Valley is a suburban area in Los Angeles known for its entertainment industry and as a hub for many aspiring actors and filmmakers. The valley's scenic landscapes provide a picturesque backdrop for the stories that emerge from Hollywood's vibrant culture.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Licorice Pizza (2021). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Love & Friendship
The film explores the complex dynamics of love and friendship between Gary and Alana, highlighting their age difference and the societal pressures that challenge their relationship. Their connection deepens as they navigate their dreams and insecurities, showcasing the bittersweet journey of young love.
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Coming of Age
Licorice Pizza captures the essence of coming of age, as both Gary and Alana experience the trials and tribulations of youth. Their paths reflect the struggle to find one's identity amid personal ambitions and external expectations, making the narrative relatable to anyone who has faced similar challenges.
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Hollywood Dreams
The film delves into the allure and chaos of Hollywood, portraying both the glamorous aspirations and the harsh realities of breaking into the industry. As Alana gets involved in auditions and Gary ventures into business, their journey reflects the pursuit of dreams against a backdrop of fame and competition.
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