New York - March 06, 2003

High in the Hills

"Laurel Canyon" Hits Theaters

Our latest incarnation of Life: The Fantasy goes something like this …

Move into a swank Hollywood Hills pad with views of the Valley and the ocean. Slowly abandon Ph.D. research project in favor of penthouse parties at the Chateau Marmont. Try not to notice as relationship with uptight fiance suffers. As for sex with boyfriend’s mom, a seductive music producer, and her even hotter rock-star protege lover — well, okay, if you insist. But only if lots of illicit substances are involved.

Laurel Canyon, which opens tomorrow in New York and Los Angeles, is one of those movies where everyone’s cool, gorgeous, and complicated. The white-hot cast — Frances McDormand (the mom), Alessandro Nivola (the rock star), Christian Bale (the boyfriend), Kate Beckinsale (the girl) — hits every note. Director Lisa Cholodenko (High Art), showing no sign of a sophomore slump, has delivered our favorite movie of the season.

For so many reasons. Not the least of which is the subject matter: love triangles, family drama, and a healthy dose of sex, drugs, and rock and roll.

Laurel Canyon opens tomorrow in New York and Los Angeles and will roll out nationwide over the next month.

  Film Buff