When an uptight young man and his fiancee move into his libertine mother's house, the resulting clash of life attitudes shakes everyone up.
Director:
Lisa CholodenkoWriter:
Lisa Cholodenko
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Title: Laurel Canyon (2002)
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2 wins & 6 nominations.
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Frances McDormand | ... | Jane | |
| Christian Bale | ... | Sam | |
| Kate Beckinsale | ... | Alex | |
| Natascha McElhone | ... | Sara | |
| Alessandro Nivola | ... | Ian McKnight | |
| Lou Barlow | ... | Fripp (as Louis Knox Barlow) | |
 |
Russell Pollard | ... | Rowan |
|
|
Imaad Wasif | ... | Dean |
|
|
Mickey Petralia | ... | Mickey |
| Melissa De Sousa | ... | Claudia | |
|
|
Alexandra Carter | ... | Darla |
|
|
Michelle DeMirjian | ... | China (as Michelle Demirjian) |
| Rick Gonzalez | ... | Wyatt | |
|
|
Dennis Howard | ... | Mr. Elliot |
| Catherine McGoohan | ... | Mrs. Elliot | |
Edit
Plot Summary
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See All (143) »
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 Keywords:
rock 'n' roll | hairy chest | acoustic guitar | time lapse photography | underwater scene |Taglines:
On the road to the perfect life, Sam & Alex took a little detour.Genres:
DramaMotion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated R for sexuality, language and drug use | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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See more on IMDbPro »
See full technical specs »
Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
28 March 2003 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Atracção Acidental See more »Filming Locations:
Chateau Marmont - 8221 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA See more »Edit
Box Office
Opening Weekend USA:
$149,099, 9 March 2003, Limited ReleaseGross USA:
$3,663,356, 3 August 2003Cumulative Worldwide Gross:
$590,802Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Dolby DigitalColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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Written by Baxter Dury and Lou Reed
Performed by Baxter Dury
Courtesy of Rough Trade Records
Includes a sample of "Oh Sweet Nothin'"
See more »
Did You Know?
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 »Crazy Credits
Special thanks to Christie Gaumer & Shakespeare and to Red Hot Chili Peppers. See more »Soundtracks
Oscar BrownWritten by Baxter Dury and Lou Reed
Performed by Baxter Dury
Courtesy of Rough Trade Records
Includes a sample of "Oh Sweet Nothin'"
See more »
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"Laurel Canyon" is a story about 'family'. The grown son (Christian Bale) of a record producer (Frances McDormand) ends up bringing his girl friend (Kate Bekinsdale) to California. They expected to stay in his mother's empty home while he worked at a psychiatric hospital and she worked on a thesis. Due to a schedule change, his mother is still in the home when he and his girl friend arrive. It is obvious that there is substantial tension and resentment on the son's side of the relationship. He feels his mother was not a good parent and that she is irresponsible, and she is still living the carefree and wild lifestyle she has always lived. His curious girlfriend is drawn into the lives of his mother and her boyfriend (Allesandro Nivola), with the potential for disastrous results.
Frances McDormand does a fine job as the mother. Christian Bale and Kate Beckinsdale are also good as the young couple. Allesandro Nivola is entertaining as the mother's current lover. This is a nicely done film. However, something seems a bit flat and the story line doesn't pick up as much steam as a good drama should. It tends to have a 'so what' mentality about the immorality taking place, and the result is that the impact of the film is minimalized. Christian Bale and Frances McDormand have a poignant scene at the end of "Laurel Canyon", but again the film strangely mutes the power which the actors imbue their characters with.
I'd rate this film a 70/100. Fans of the actors involved will enjoy seeing their favorites on the screen, but others will most likely be a bit disappointed by this movie.