Los Angeles Plays Itself Poster

Los Angeles Plays Itself 2004

★ 7.661 votes169 min📅 2004-07-28

Los Angeles Plays Itself (2004) is a cinematic journey through the city's real and fictional landscape. Director Thom Andersen masterfully weaves together the metropolis' diverse neighborhoods, iconic architecture, and the countless movies that have called it home.

Director: Thom Andersen

Cast

Encke King
Narrator (voice)
Ben Alexander
Ben Alexander
Officer Frank Smith in Dragnet (archive footage)
Jim Backus
Jim Backus
Frank Stark in Rebel Without A Cause (archive footage)
Brenda Bakke
Brenda Bakke
Lana Turner in L.A. Confidential (archive footage)
Barbara O. Jones
Barbara O. Jones
Dorothy in Bush Mama (archive footage)
Gene Barry
Gene Barry
Dr. Clayton Forrester in The War of The Worlds (archive footage)
Richard Basehart
Richard Basehart
Roy Morgan/Roy Martin in He Walked By Night (archive footage)
Hugh Beaumont
Hugh Beaumont
George Copeland in The Blue Dahlia (archive footage)
William Bendix
William Bendix
Buzz Wanchek in The Blue Dahlia (archive footage)
Ann Blyth
Ann Blyth
Veda Pierce in Mildred Pierce (archive footage)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Los Angeles Plays Itself (2004) about?

This documentary takes viewers on a journey through the real and fictional landscape of Los Angeles, exploring the city's diverse neighborhoods, iconic architecture, and the countless movies that have called it home.

Who directed Los Angeles Plays Itself?

Thom Andersen masterfully guides the viewer through the city's intricate stories and legends, revealing the real city beneath the surface of its cinematic portrayals.

Who stars in Los Angeles Plays Itself?

The film features a cast that includes Encke King, Ben Alexander, Jim Backus, Brenda Bakke, and Barbara O. Jones.

Is Los Angeles Plays Itself (2004) worth watching?

With its unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment, Los Angeles Plays Itself is a must-watch for film enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by the allure of Los Angeles. Its thought-provoking themes and stunning visuals make it a compelling watch.

How long is Los Angeles Plays Itself?

The documentary has a runtime of 169 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Los Angeles Plays Itself (2004) — A Cinematic Journey Through the City of Angels

Los Angeles Plays Itself (2004) is a cinematic journey through the city's real and fictional landscape. Director Thom Andersen masterfully weaves together the metropolis' diverse neighborhoods, iconic architecture, and the countless movies that have called it home. From the sun-kissed streets of Beverly Hills to the vibrant murals of East Los Angeles, this documentary reveals the intricate stories and legends that have come to define the City of Angels. With a keen eye for detail, Andersen meticulously exposes the real city beneath the surface of its cinematic portrayals. Los Angeles Plays Itself is a thought-provoking exploration of urban identity and the power of storytelling. Through its engaging narrative and stunning visuals, this documentary invites viewers to reconsider their relationship with the city and the movies that shape our perceptions of it. With its unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment, Los Angeles Plays Itself is a must-watch for film enthusiasts, architecture buffs, and anyone fascinated by the allure of Los Angeles.

From its early days as a small Mexican pueblo to its current status as a global metropolis, Los Angeles has been a city of dreams, hopes, and broken promises. Los Angeles Plays Itself (2004) captures the essence of this complex and multifaceted city, inviting viewers to experience its beauty, diversity, and contradictions. With its meticulous research and engaging storytelling, this documentary is a love letter to the city and a tribute to the power of cinema to shape our perceptions of the world around us.

Los Angeles Plays Itself (2004) is a documentary that will appeal to fans of urban exploration, film history, and cultural critique. With its thought-provoking themes and stunning visuals, this movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in the city of Los Angeles and its enduring place in the American imagination.