Thom Andersen critiques Hollywood's depiction of Los Angeles, focusing on modernist architecture and the erasure of immigrant neighborhoods in its films.
Synopsis
Thom Andersen critiques Hollywood's depiction of Los Angeles, focusing on modernist architecture and the erasure of immigrant neighborhoods in its films.
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Synopsis
Thom Andersen presents a critical view of Los Angeles in "Los Angeles Plays Itself." The film uses clips from various movies to illustrate how Hollywood shapes perceptions of the city. Andersen argues that modernist architecture often symbolizes villainy in films. He discusses the early cinematic history of Los Angeles, which frequently stood in for larger cities like Chicago. The documentary also reflects on lost immigrant neighborhoods, erased for skyscrapers in the 1960s and 70s.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- See how Hollywood shapes the image of Los Angeles.
- Find out why modernist architecture is linked to villains.
- Meet the immigrant enclaves lost to urban development.
Did You Know
- The film has a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 45 reviews.
- It won the National Film Board Award for Best Documentary at the 2003 Vancouver International Film Festival.
- The film was voted best documentary of 2004 by the Village Voice Critic's Poll.
- Thom Andersen first conceived the film idea after a lecture at the California Institute of the Arts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed Los Angeles Plays Itself?
Los Angeles Plays Itself was directed by Thom Andersen.
What year was Los Angeles Plays Itself released?
Los Angeles Plays Itself was completed in 2003 and officially released in 2014.
What is the approval rating of Los Angeles Plays Itself on Rotten Tomatoes?
The film has an approval rating of 96% based on 45 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.
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