Paul Thomas Anderson is back with a bang.
His second romcom (after the truly wondrous Punch Drunk Love – surely the greatest romcom ever made) it’s swooningly delightful with two magnificent performances by Alana Haim (and her entire family in supporting roles) and Cooper Hoffman (son of the sadly deceased Phillip Seymour-Hoffman).
Set in 1973 and lovely styled to feel entirely authentic, she is25+ and a teacher, he is 15 and a schoolboy entrepreneur. They meet at school on school photo day as she manages the line and he chats her up. Semi-successfully.
What follows is a delightful, sometimes laugh out loud, extended courtship that may or may not reach consumption (you’ll have to go see to find out). The Bradley Cooper episode is magical as are the hilarious (although perhaps not entirely PC) Japanese restaurant-owner scenes.
She’s obviously nervous of the age difference (and legality of course) whereas he cares not a jot. She’s worldly wise, he isn’t and her resistance to the relationship (despite giving up her job to act ads his business partner) is strong but constantly wavering.
As in Punch Drunk Love, PTA is adept at creating unlikely couples’ relationships with more charm than any other director I know. In a way you could say the same of Phantom Thread but that is no romcom.
It’s truly miraculous to look at PTAs range and output, from ensemble miracle Magnolia, through dark and brooding masterpieces like There Will be Blood, to lighter fare such as this, PDL and Boogie Nights.
I consider myself blessed to have followed this remarkable career in real time through every manifestation (only one blot – Inherent Vice).
This follows up the brilliant Phantom Thread to cement PTA’s position as amongst the truly great directors of our time.
Highly recommended.
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