Review of L.A. Story (1991) by John T — 07 Jan 2010

A cluttered, but smart Steve Martin classic that I wish I'd seen sooner.

Starting off, there's a strong cast here, with Steve Martin and Victoria Tennant carrying the film quite comfortably, and good support by Richard E. Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker. Plus some fun cameos and minor roles, including a particularly amusing performance by the great Sir Patrick Stewart.

The core script Martin wrote is smart. Very funny and philosophical with a number of whimsical notes and a touch of almost Woody Allen-esque neurosis. The central duo are likable and certainly get you rooting for them, possessing the strong screen chemistry they do. Sarah Jessica Parker's character leaves you wishing she was better developed - she was cute, but you never learn much about her, let alone why she's interested in Martin's character or what became of her after the trip toward the end of the film. She's more plot device than complete character. Richard E. Grant's romantic rival received similar treatment, though he was refreshingly written in not simply being some two-dimensional rival written solely to make the lead they want you rooting for look better by comparison.

The humor is more hit than miss, and there's a variety of types throughout the film. The near Woody Allen-esque dialogue draws you into the story and keeps you smiling, and there's many surrealist elements that mostly mesh with the plot quite well. At times, however, the odd asides and humorous twists feel a little cluttered and distracting - like Steve Martin had too many funny ideas and wasn't entirely sure what to do with or where to put them all, so he crammed them all together in this film and at times they end up detracting from the experience a bit.

The visual direction is a wonderful love poem to L.A. - which is conversely the subject of much scrutiny throughout the film as well, with all its empty, shallow people and rampant deep existential dissatisfaction - with many wonderful camera shots throughout. I'm particularly fond of those long shots across the freeway with the self-aware electronic billboard and the clouds and lit-up city skyline in the distance. Gorgeous. I'm also partial to the image of blurred city lights in the background that appears a number of times throughout the film. And with much music contributed by Enya, amongst others, the film manages a sense of definite magic, building a romantic early '90s atmosphere that'd soften even a hardened, cynical heart like my own.

I may not entirely agree with the innocent, cynicism-free message of hope and meaningful love at the core of the film, but that doesn't keep me from respecting what Martin wanted to say with L.A. Story. As cluttered as the film can feel at times with its changes in tone, there's a very enjoyable love story with a strong cast and tons of life at its core. A definite viewing recommendation in all of its enjoyability. I'll certainly be watching this one again.