Inherent Vice (2014)

In 1970, drug-fueled Los Angeles private investigator Larry "Doc" Sportello investigates the disappearance of a former girlfriend.

Director:

Paul Thomas Anderson

Writers:

Paul Thomas Anderson (written for the screen by), Thomas Pynchon (based on the novel by)

Stars:

Joaquin Phoenix, Josh Brolin, Owen Wilson

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 16 wins & 95 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Joanna Newsom	...	Sortilège
Katherine Waterston	...	Shasta Fay Hepworth
Joaquin Phoenix	...	Larry "Doc" Sportello
Jordan Christian Hearn	...	Denis
Taylor Bonin	...	Ensenada Slim
Jeannie Berlin	...	Aunt Reet
Josh Brolin	...	Lt. Det. Christian F. "Bigfoot" Bjornsen
Eric Roberts	...	Michael Z. Wolfmann
Serena Scott Thomas	...	Sloane Wolfmann
Maya Rudolph	...	Petunia Leeway
Martin Dew	...	Dr. Buddy Tubeside
Michael Kenneth Williams	...	Tariq Khalil
Hong Chau	...	Jade
Shannon Collis	...	Bambi
Christopher Allen Nelson	...	Glenn Charlock

Storyline

During the psychedelic 60s and 70s Larry "Doc" Sportello is surprised by his former girlfriend and her plot for her billionaire boyfriend, his wife, and her boyfriend. A plan for kidnapping gets shaken up by the oddball characters entangled in this groovy kidnapping romp based upon the novel by Thomas Pynchon.

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Plot Keywords:

ex boyfriend ex girlfriend relationship | drug trade | voice over narration | southern california | investigator | 

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Taglines:

Love usually leads to trouble.

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Drama | Mystery | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for drug use throughout, sexual content, graphic nudity, language and some violence

Did You Know?

Trivia

This marks the first time that Paul Thomas Anderson has made a feature film distributed by Warner Brothers Pictures since Columbia Pictures distributed his film, Punch-Drunk Love (2002).

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Goofs

I've read that PTA is a big Neil Young fan, and that Doc's look is based on Neil's look from the early 70's, especially the mutton chops. And while the Neil tunes frame their scenes nicely, they should not have playing on Doc's radio and in the Golden Fang lobby.

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Quotes

Dr. Threeply: Any questions?
Doc Sportello: [in regards to Puck Beaverton] Is that a swastika on that man's face?
Dr. Threeply: No, it isn't. That's an ancient Hindu symbol meaning "all is well". It brings good fortune, luck and well-being.

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Crazy Credits

After the credits roll, the end caption is the opening inscription from Pynchon's novel, Inherent Vice: "Under the Paving-Stones, the Beach!" - Graffito, Paris, May 1968

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Connections

Referenced in Jeopardy!: Episode #33.89 (2017)

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Soundtracks

Rhythm of the Rain
Written by John Gummoe (as John C. Gummoe)
Performed by The Cascades
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Records, Inc.
By arrangement with Warner Music Group Film & TV Licensing

User Reviews

Its impossible to criticize this movie

We can't criticize the incomprehensible nature of the movie because it was intentionally written that way to capture the tone of the novel. Eventhough I personally couldn't enjoy this movie, I completely understand why other people like it. I understand what they were going for but I couldn't connect with it personally. All the performances, especially by Phoenix and Brolin were top notch. Both those characters were written extremely well. There were some genuinely funny sequences too. However there are several instances where Doc relies on coincidences and conveniences to uncover the cases. This aspect felt like lazy writing.

I don't dislike this movie but I can't like it either. I have such a complicated opinion on this movie. PTA is one of the best directors working today. But I couldn't appreciate this movie like I did with his other movies like The Master, There will be blood etc.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English Japanese

Release Date:

9 January 2015 (USA)

Also Known As:

Inherent Vice

Filming Locations:

Arrowhead Springs Hotel - 24918 Arrowhead Springs Road, San Bernardino, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$328,184, 14 December 2014

Gross USA:

$8,110,975

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$14,710,975

Company Credits

Production Co:

Ghoulardi Film Company, Warner Bros., IAC Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

148 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital Datasat SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1