Watch Los Angeles Plays Itself

Los Angeles Plays Itself is a unique and insightful documentary film from 2003, directed by Thom Andersen. It explores the way that Los Angeles has been portrayed in films throughout history, looking at the many ways that cinema has shaped our perceptions of this iconic city. The film features a range of clips from classic films, as well as interviews with filmmakers, historians, and scholars who offer their thoughts on the complex relationship between LA and the movies.

One of the most striking things about Los Angeles Plays Itself is its use of film clips to illustrate its points. Director Thom Andersen draws on a vast range of films, some of which will be familiar to movie buffs and others which may be more obscure. All of them, however, provide insights into the way that this city has been depicted on screen, and the impact that these depictions have had on our perceptions of LA as a place. From Sunset Boulevard to Chinatown and beyond, Andersen shows how filmmakers have used Los Angeles as a canvas to explore themes of darkness and light, glamour and sleaze, wealth and poverty.

The film also places these images of LA within their historical and cultural context. Interviews with scholars and historians provide a fascinating insight into the development of the city since its inception, highlighting its unique mix of cultures and influences. Andersen explores important events in LA's history, such as the Watts riots, and shows how these have been represented in films over the years. Through this approach, the film illustrates how the portrayal of Los Angeles in cinema is not simply a matter of style and aesthetics, but often reflects broader social and political issues.

Perhaps most interestingly, Los Angeles Plays Itself also examines how the city itself has been used as a location for filming. Andersen shows how certain parts of LA - such as downtown and the freeways - have become iconic images in their own right thanks to their use in films. He also discusses how the growth and development of the city has impacted the film industry, from the heyday of the studio system to the rise of independent cinema. The film provides a fascinating insight into the symbiotic relationship between LA and the movies, and how each has influenced the other over time.

Throughout the film, Andersen's narration provides a thoughtful and engaging commentary on the images he presents. He draws on his own experiences of living in Los Angeles to offer personal insights into the way that the city has changed and grown over the years. His narration is peppered with humor and wit, making the film an entertaining watch even for those who may not be particularly interested in the history of LA's relationship with cinema.

Overall, Los Angeles Plays Itself is a fascinating and thought-provoking film that provides a unique perspective on one of America's most iconic cities. Its use of film clips and interviews makes it a great watch for movie buffs, while its exploration of the cultural and historical context in which these films were made will appeal to those with an interest in urban studies or social history. The film is a testament to the power of cinema to both reflect and shape our perceptions of the world around us.

Los Angeles Plays Itself is a 2003 documentary. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 86.