The best and most films from California
This week I finally saw the 1991 film “LA Story,” a fantastical romantic comedy that is, above all, a loving send-up of Los Angeles.
The film, written by and starring Steve Martin, is full of jokes about traffic, earthquakes, trendy restaurants, consistently temperate weather and happy people who are actually not that happy at all. Martin, who grew up in Orange County, once described making the film as “like teasing your best friend.”
“You have to know them pretty well and like them to do it,” he told The New York Times in 1991.
When Martin’s character suggests to his love interest – played by Victoria Tennant, who was married to Martin at the time – that he give her a cultural tour of the city, she responds: “That’s the first 15 minutes. Than what?”
“LA Story” felt familiar to me, not only because of the shooting locations – the opening sequence has a great scene in Echo Park Lake – but also because it channeled the voice of someone who knows Los Angeles.
It was among the most suggested films by readers for our new California movie list, a collection that I hope will entertain you and help you learn more about the state. I’ll continue to grow the list, so feel free to email me at CAtoday@nytimes.com with your picks and why you think they deserve to be included.
Here are four more selections to get you started.
“Chinatown” (1974)
Our most recommended film, now 50 years old, was directed by Roman Polanski and inspired by deceit on a quintessentially Californian issue: water rights. Read The Times’ (admittedly mixed) review from 1974, or watch Times critic AO Scott re-examine what is now a beloved part of the film canon.
“A classic detective-mystery neo-noir, the best film ever made about Los Angeles. Brilliant performances from Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway, and an Oscar-winning screenplay by Robert Towne. The best Hollywood film of the last 50 years.” — Tony Napoli, Santa Maria
“Sideways” (2004)
In this Alexander Payne film, two old college friends, played by Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church, go on a wine-tasting road trip through Santa Barbara County’s Santa Ynez Valley. This film delighted film and wine critics alike – perhaps to a fault.
“What it’s really about is all the different relationships people have with wine. From alcoholism to the appreciation of wine as an art form, the central role of the wine grape in our state is beautifully highlighted.” —Pam Van Allen, Stockton
“Lady Bird” (2017)
Greta Gerwig’s coming-of-age film about a high school student played by Saoirse Ronan is a love letter to a part of the state that doesn’t get much attention on screen. Sacramento, where Gerwig was born and raised, is as much a character in the film as any of the other people.
“Growing up in Sacramento, my childhood is immortalized by the experiences of ‘Lady Bird’ and Greta Gerwig’s beautiful scenes in my hometown. Every time I return to this film, I am reminded of the uniqueness of Sacramento. — Sophia Saunders, Sacramento
“Vertigo” (1958)
Widely regarded as Alfred Hitchcock’s best work, “Fear of heights” was shot largely in and around San Francisco. You can visit the film locations and see photos of how the city has changed since the movie was filmed.
“Does a film made by Alfred Hitchcock even need an explanation to be selected? How he uses the camera to distort the perspective of the eye to create disorientation, to convey Scottie’s fear of heights. Monroe, Garbo and Hitchcock understood the lens better than anyone else.” – Noe Serrano, San Francisco
Tell us
We are in the process of putting together ours California soundtrack for years, and have recorded most of the hits. Which songs do you think still need to be added?
Tell us at CAtoday@nytimes.com. Include your name, the city you live in, and a few sentences explaining why you think your song deserves to be included.
And before you go: good news
Much of California’s history can be told through the story of its capital.
One of the oldest communities in the state, Sacramento has been the setting for many important historical moments, from the discovery of gold on January 24, 1848, to the construction of the first transcontinental railroad.
Today, the state’s history can still be felt throughout Sacramento, and especially in its oldest businesses and restaurants. The Sacramento Bee, the region’s leading daily newspaper, recently searched the city’s archives to learn more about these living historical landmarks.
Old Ironsides, a watering hole and performance venue in Southside Park, is the oldest bar in the city and was apparently the first establishment in Sacramento to get a liquor license after Prohibition ended, the newspaper’s investigation found. Also on the list of venerable companies was The Sacramento Bee itself, originally called The Daily Bee, which this month celebrated the 167th anniversary of its first print edition.
Dive into more Sacramento history and read the full article here.
Thank you for reading. I’ll come back tomorrow. — Soumya
PS Here it is today’s mini crossword.
Maia Coleman and Briana Scalia contributed to California Today. You can reach the team via CAtoday@nytimes.com.
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