Throughout his career, Paul Thomas Anderson has delved into the gritty, sun-drenched history of California, the state of his birth and longtime residence. In films like Boogie Nights, he delved into the 1970s porn boom in the San Fernando Valley, a region of Los Angeles he revisited in Magnolia, Punch-Drunk Love, and Licorice Pizza. Even in the acclaimed There Will Be Blood, which many consider his greatest work, Anderson focused on the oil boom that shaped Los Angeles. His cinematic journeys through the city have garnered praise, showcasing his fascination with California’s complex past. Among these explorations, Inherent Vice stands out as an overlooked gem. Despite its initial reception a decade ago, this stoner detective dramedy remains a poignant and compelling piece of Anderson’s filmography. Set in the aftermath of the Manson Murders and the decline of the 1960s counterculture, Inherent Vice captures a California in transition, where the remnants of the past clash with encroaching modernity. The film follows Doc Sportello, a perpetually high private eye played by Joaquin Phoenix, as he gets entangled in a convoluted conspiracy involving real estate, drug smuggling, and shady characters. Against the backdrop of a disillusioned society grappling with lost ideals, Inherent Vice weaves a tale of corruption, loss, and small triumphs in the face of overwhelming defeat. With its smoky atmosphere and eccentric characters, the film offers a darkly humorous and haunting portrait of a state in flux. Based on the Thomas Pynchon novel, Inherent Vice paints a vivid picture of a California adrift in uncertainty, capturing the paranoia and desolation lurking beneath the facade of a bygone era. Through Doc’s encounters with a cast of quirky individuals, including his enigmatic ex-love Shasta Fay Hepworth, Anderson crafts a moving narrative that delves into the complexities of human connection and the search for meaning in a changing world. Inherent Vice may be Anderson’s most underrated work, but its blend of wit, intrigue, and emotional depth cements its status as a poignant reflection on the enduring legacy of California’s past.
In the mesmerizing mystery film “Inherent Vice,” directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, audiences are taken on a wild and complex journey through the world of private investigator Larry “Doc” Sportello, played brilliantly by Joaquin Phoenix. Set in 1970s Los Angeles, the story unfolds as Doc is drawn into a web of intrigue involving his ex-girlfriend Shasta Fay Hepworth, portrayed by Katherine Waterston.
Doc’s investigation is a rollercoaster ride, greatly influenced by the enigmatic and contradictory Lieutenant Christian F. “Bigfoot” Bjornsen, played to perfection by Josh Brolin. Bigfoot’s tough exterior and perplexing behavior add layers of depth to the narrative, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Benicio Del Toro’s portrayal of a marine law attorney and Joanna Newsom’s role as a compassionate friend and narrator further enrich the tapestry of characters in the film.
While “Inherent Vice” offers an array of captivating performances and intriguing neo-noir elements, at its core lies the poignant and strained relationship between Doc and Shasta. Shasta’s sudden disappearance after hiring Doc sets off a chain of events that delve into the heart of their connection. Doc’s relentless search for Shasta, guided by fleeting clues and haunting memories, adds a touch of melancholy to the film’s otherwise whimsical tone.
One of the most memorable moments in “Inherent Vice” is when Doc gazes out of his window with binoculars, scanning the vast ocean in search of Shasta. The juxtaposition of his longing with Shasta’s mysterious presence on the drug-smuggling boat, the Golden Fang, creates a sense of longing and unease that lingers throughout the story. The postcard from Shasta, reminiscing about a shared moment in the rain, serves as a bittersweet reminder of their past.
As the narrative unfolds, Shasta reappears in a haunting and enigmatic scene at Doc’s apartment. Her sudden return, cloaked in ambiguity and wearing a simple T-shirt, adds another layer of complexity to their relationship. The symbolic contrast between the undeveloped lot of their shared memory and the gaudy corporate building that now stands in its place reflects the passage of time and the changing landscape of their connection.
“Inherent Vice” weaves together elements of mystery, nostalgia, and emotional depth to create a captivating cinematic experience. Paul Thomas Anderson’s masterful direction, coupled with stellar performances from the cast, immerses viewers in a world where past and present collide in unexpected ways. The film’s exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of memories resonates long after the credits roll, leaving audiences pondering the intricacies of human connection and the mysteries of the heart.
