Laurel Canyon

Laurel Canyon

Year: 2003

Runtime: 103 min

Language: English

Director: Lisa Cholodenko

DramaMusic

During the late 20th century, Los Angeles' Laurel Canyon became a haven for musicians, artists, and free spirits. This documentary explores the vibrant music scene that emerged in this iconic neighborhood, showcasing the creative collaborations and enduring friendships that defined an era. Featuring archival footage and interviews, it reveals how this unique community shaped popular music and left an indelible mark on American culture.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Laurel Canyon (2003)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Laurel Canyon (2003). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie takes place in a contemporary setting that highlights the challenges and dynamics of modern relationships and career pursuits. It reflects current societal values and attitudes towards love, ambition, and personal freedom.

Location

Los Angeles, Laurel Canyon

Los Angeles is a vibrant city known for its entertainment industry and diverse culture. Laurel Canyon, a bohemian neighborhood nestled in the Hollywood Hills, has long been associated with rock music and creativity, attracting various artists and musicians. It serves as a backdrop for both artistic expression and personal conflict among the characters.

🌆 City 🎶 Music

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:01

Main Characters – Laurel Canyon (2003)

Meet the key characters of Laurel Canyon (2003), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Sam (Christian Bale)

Sam is a fresh medical graduate entering a psychiatric residency, driven yet emotionally conflicted. His desire to maintain stability in his relationship with Alex collides with the chaotic influence of his mother, Jane. This tension forces him to confront his own feelings and desires.

📚 Ambitious 💔 Conflicted

Alex (Kate Beckinsale)

Alex is an engaged woman focused on completing her Ph.D. dissertation while navigating the seductive lifestyle of Laurel Canyon. Her growing attraction to Jane and Ian reveals her struggle between academic responsibility and the allure of a freer, more artistic existence.

🎓 Scholar ❤️ Passionate

Jane (Frances McDormand)

Jane is a free-spirited record producer whose carefree approach to life complicates her relationship with Sam. Her passion for music and romance often overshadows her responsibilities, contributing to the chaos that ensnares her son and his fiancée.

🎶 Creative 🌈 Free-spirited

Ian (Alessandro Nivola)

Ian is Jane's British boyfriend and a band member, known for his magnetic charisma. His romantic involvement with both Jane and Alex adds layers of complexity to the story, driving the emotional tension among the characters.

🎸 Charismatic 🔥 Romantic

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:01

Major Themes – Laurel Canyon (2003)

Explore the central themes of Laurel Canyon (2003), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love and Betrayal

The theme of love and betrayal is central to the plot as characters grapple with their romantic feelings for one another. Sam and Alex’s engagement is tested by their attraction to others, leading to moments of passion and heartbreak. This complex web of emotions underscores the fragility of their relationships.

🌪️ Chaos and Freedom

The chaotic lifestyle of Jane and the band serves as a contrast to Sam and Alex's more structured lives. The allure of freedom and creativity draws Alex away from her academic responsibilities, creating tension and conflict. This theme explores the impact of lifestyle choices on personal relationships.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:01

Unlock the Full Story of Laurel Canyon

Don't stop at just watching — explore Laurel Canyon in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Laurel Canyon is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Laurel Canyon Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Laurel Canyon, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Laurel Canyon Summary

Laurel Canyon Timeline

Track the full timeline of Laurel Canyon with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Laurel Canyon Timeline

Laurel Canyon Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Laurel Canyon that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Laurel Canyon Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Laurel Canyon

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Laurel Canyon: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Laurel Canyon

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