Los Angeles Plays Itself

Friday, July 15 - Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Thom Andersen’s landmark documentary LOS ANGELES PLAYS ITSELF explores the tangled relationship between the movies and their fabled hometown – as seen entirely though the films themselves.

From its distinctive neighborhoods to its striking architectural homes, Los Angeles has been the backdrop to countless movies. In this dazzling work, Andersen takes viewers on a whirlwind tour through the metropolis’ real and cinematic history, spanning nearly 100 years, from the silent era to modern times. Like a detective in pursuit of an elusive adversary, Andersen investigates the myriad stories and legends that have come to define this ‘dream factory.’ With extensive research, and an abundance of clips, anecdotes and analysis, he adroitly peels back layers of fiction to reveal the real city and the actual lives of its denizens beneath the glaring lights.

Newly remastered, LOS ANGELES PLAYS ITSELF is an extraordinary cinematic achievement, a documentary unlike any that has come before or since.

Screening as part of the series Movietown: Los Angeles Plays Itself and Other LA Visions.

Save big and see more of the Movietown: Los Angeles Plays Itself and Other LA Visions series with a discount 3-Ticket or 5-Ticket Pack! A discount 3-Ticket Pack is available for $42 general public/$30 member and a 5-Ticket Pack for $60 general public/$45 member. Bring a friend of two to a few screenings or treat yourself to more movies at a better ticket price.

  • Year 2003
  • Running Time 175 minutes
  • Distributor Cinema Guild
  • Director Thom Anderson
  • Accessibility Assistive Listening, T-Coil

IFC Center does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. In addition to the synopses, trailers and other links on our website, further information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches.