‘Me and my sisters don’t get sent scripts – we’re musicians’
Alana Haim talks to Georgia Humphreys about her debut film, Licorice Pizza
When Alana Haim opened an email from film director Paul Thomas Anderson a few years ago, she had no idea it would contain a script.
Specifically, a script for unique new film Licorice Pizza, written by Anderson with the now-30-year-old – the youngest of three sisters who make up American pop rock band Haim – in mind for the lead character.
“There was this untitled Word document that I opened, and it was the first script I had ever read in my life,” recalls LA native Haim, who plays guitar, keyboards and percussion. “I mean, me and my sisters don’t get sent scripts – we’re musicians.
“I read it and all the scenes really just jumped off the page, and I couldn’t put it down, and it was so exciting even just written; I was excited to see the film just be made.”
Some scenes are based on real-life, from stories the star had told Anderson, who has directed music videos for Haim (known for songs such as The Wire), and has become a close family friend. But she still didn’t expect to actually be in the film.
Set in San Fernando Valley in 1973, Licorice Pizza follows Alana Kane (Haim) and Gary Valentine (Cooper Hoffman, who is the son of the late actor, Philip Seymour Hoffman).
Written and directed by Anderson – who’s famous for Boogie Nights, Magnolia and Phantom Thread – we see Alana, who is in her twenties, meet Gary at his high school – it’s picturetaking day, and she is working as a photographer’s aide. The dialogue grabs you right from the start, as Gary tries to impress this alluring older woman with stories of him being a working actor, and a friendship begins.
As Gary tries his hand at being a budding entrepreneur, selling water beds, and opening a pinball arcade, Alana – who seems lost and unsure about her future – starts working alongside him, and they become closer.
It’s an amusing, vibrant, and romantic watch, with particularly memorable scenes including Alana’s own foray into acting, appearances from Hollywood stars in the shape of Sean Penn and Bradley Cooper, and plenty of tender and awkward moments between the two main characters.
At its heart, it’s a comingof-age tale about self-discovery and first loves – and Haim is receiving rave reviews.
Asked how surprised fans of Haim the band will be by her performance, the star laughs and says: “I mean, I’m just as shocked with them! I think they’ll be very shocked because I’ve never done this before… Me and my siblings love making people laugh and making funny videos, but nothing to an extent of a movie.
“It’s a major motion picture, and I’m just shocked still that Paul saw something in me, that he thought he knew that I can do this role and do Alana.
“But, yeah, it’s going to be pretty shocking. My parents didn’t believe it! And if my parents can’t believe it, then literally no one can believe it.”
● Licorice Pizza is in cinemas now