Laurel Canyon (2002)

R  |   |  Drama  |  28 March 2003 (USA)
6.5
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Ratings: 6.5/10 from 12,911 users   Metascore: 61/100
Reviews: 146 user | 96 critic | 36 from Metacritic.com

When an uptight young man and his fiancee move into his libertine mother's house, the resulting clash of life attitudes shakes everyone up.

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2 wins & 5 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
Sam
...
...
...
...
Fripp (as Louis Knox Barlow)
Russell Pollard ...
Rowan
Imaad Wasif ...
Dean
Mickey Petralia ...
Mickey
...
Claudia
Alexandra Carter ...
Darla
Michelle DeMirjian ...
China (as Michelle Demirjian)
...
Wyatt
Dennis Howard ...
Mr. Elliot
...
Mrs. Elliot
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Storyline

Newly graduated psychiatrist Sam and his fiancee Alex move to Los Angeles for Sam's residency and into Sam's mother's house in upscale Laurel Canyon. Only problem is, Sam's mother is still there, supposedly finishing up a record that she's producing for the band of her new boy toy, Ian. She seems more interested in smoking pot and drinking than actually working though. Alex doesn't mind but Sam is quite upset. Alex starts off focused on her work (finishing a dissertation on genomics), but is soon distracted by the rock-'n-roll lifestyle going on around her. Meanwhile, Sam is equally distracted by beautiful Israeli intern Sara. Written by Jon Reeves <jreeves@imdb.com>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

On the road to the perfect life, Sam & Alex took a little detour.

Genres:

Drama

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexuality, language and drug use | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

28 March 2003 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Atracção Acidental  »

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$149,099 (USA) (7 March 2003)

Gross:

$3,661,906 (USA) (25 July 2003)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Red Hot Chili Peppers appear among the musicians in Jane's photo gallery too. See more »

Goofs

On the plane, Sam and Alex ask for scotch and juice, respectively. The stewardess hands them a bottle (presumably of scotch), a glass of ice, and an empty glass. See more »

Quotes

Sam: Why did you break up with Bobby? I thought Bobby was the real thing
Jane: Well, then I got to know him.
See more »

Crazy Credits

Editorial Mensch ... Caryn Marcus See more »

Connections

Featured in The 2004 IFP/West Independent Spirit Awards (2004) See more »

Soundtracks

Someday I Will Treat You Good
(1995)
Written by Mark Linkous
Performed by Ian's Band
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User Reviews

 
A Great Tour -de-Force for McDormand
26 January 2005 | by (West Hollywood, CA, United States) – See all my reviews

This is an insightful and truly under-appreciated film. And, as anyone who has lived in the Hollywood/ West Hollywood area can attest, the film is also a very accurate portrayal of LA life in the biz. Bale and Beckinsale shine as well. Definitely McDormand's best work outside of "Fargo"; her versatility and talent continue to amaze and impress. The producers' choice of music is perfect and truly reflects the mood and tone of the film--it makes me want to go out and buy the soundtrack. :) Also, "Laurel Canyon" shows how frail and tenuous life's relationships can be. By straying from the "norms" of his serious, medical student world, Bale understands his mother's complexities and foibles and thus establishes the bond with her that he has possibly sought all his life. Well done!! *** 1/2


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