L.A. Story

I seem to be in a very small minority of people who understand the magic spark that puts this movie into my top ten. I can watch it over and over. Its not really about being hilarious, which its not at all, rather its the magic and supernaturally romantic quality that makes it. Does anyone here get it ? £5.99 http://www.play.com/play247.asp?pa=search&searchtype=r2title&searchstring=l+a+story&page=search

 

Steve Martin has gone off the rails in the last few years making a lot of mediocre stuff, not bad as such, just bland. What happened? LA Story is certainly one of his better efforts.

 

Yes, LA Story stands on its own really. You don't need to be a Steve Martin fan. Here's a tip: one of his more recent films that is excellent is Bowfinger http://www.play.com/play247.asp?pa=search&searchtype=r2title&searchstring=bowfinger&page=search Its a similar concept to Ed Wood but still very different. Its got a great feel, this film. B.t.w. I don't normally like Eddie Murphy but he plays a brilliant character in this movie.

 

Of course, completely forgot Bowfinger! Modern classic, perhaps? It harks back to some of the real comedy classics, and Eddie Murphy (another one who has gone off the rails) puts in a pair of great performances. Any film that rips it out of Hollywood gets the thumbs up from me Best bit has to be the Mexican immigrants reading Cahiers du Cinema...

 

Cloth-Ears - couldn't agree with you more about LA Story, one of my faves. As you say, it's not so much the comedy aspect but the supernatural romantic qualities of it.

Michael.

 

I love LA Story too, I can still see him hugging the sign. It does have its funny moments too though like the painting description scene in the galery.

 

Yes there are plenty funny moments, particularly in the dialogue. Overall there's an amusing piss take of cliched west-L.A. lifestyle as a kind of a backdrop to the story. But the really jaw dropping stuff is seeing the supernaturally guided romance unfold. Its very touching and its impact does not seem to reduce each time you watch it. Just leave 6 months between each viewing and drink wine while you watch. In interview a few years ago Martin said this was his favourite film. If you have not seen this film but go buy it from the link above and like it, trust my judgement on Bowfinger as well. It has a feel good factor in it too though is completely different. Priceless closing scene.

 

I also meant to say, in L.A. Story there is intensely effective use of music at well chosen moments, in particular, Enya. I normally find Enya's music bland but in this movie two of her strongest, most haunting songs are used to very great effect and it just suits the movie so well. Remember the section near the end with subdued dialogue, which shows her leaving, his sorrow and the weather ( so well coordinated with Enya !) changing his life for the second time. Then what about the sign and the pipes playing Amazing Grace ? Even the incidental music can stir hairs, in moments like when the car comes to life and beckons them in. Its been six months. I'm going to buy some wine and a packet of hankies.