Los Angeles Plays Itself

Thom Andersen's epic video essay on how Los Angeles has been used (and abused) by cinema.

“This is the city. Los Angeles, California. They make movies here. I live here. Sometimes I think that gives me the right to criticise the way movies depict my city.”

Why do bad guys live in modernist houses? Why did Chinatown get it wrong? Why is everyone white? Watching Thom Andersen’s fascinating video essay is like taking a walking tour of the world’s most photographed city, with a knowledgeable and slightly cantankerous guide. Full of sharp insight and droll humour, and hundreds of well-chosen film clips.