Alana Haim, musician, actress and now star on “Licorice Pizza” as well as playing music with her family
Alana Haim, in her first acting role, is attracting a lot attention. The Hollywood Reporter described her performance in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Licorice Pizza” as “one of the most exciting screen debuts since recent memory.”
Anthony Mason, Correspondent, said that “You got amazing reviews.”
“Oh, thankyou!” Alana Haim chuckled. “It’s crazy. It’s hard to understand how to do it.
Anderson’s 1973 ode to L.A.’s San Fernando Valley features her as 25-year old Alana Kane. Cooper Hoffman, son of Phillip Seymour Hoffman, plays the role of her teenaged suitor.
Alana (Alana Haim): “Where is your family?”
Gary (Cooper Hoffman),: “My mom works with me.”
Alana: “Oh, she does!”
Gary: “Yes she does in my public relations firm.”
Alana: “In the ‘public relations company? Because you already have it?
Gary: “Yes.”
Alana: “And, you’re an actor?”
Gary: “Yes!”
Alana: “And, you’re also a secret agent?”
Gary: ” …?’
Haim, a 30-year-old Haim was the director of the video. It was not their first collaboration. She said that she had done many music videos together with Paul and they have had an incredible relationship.
Alana is a member of the Grammy-nominated HAIM with her older sisters Danielle and Este. Anderson directed eight videos for them, including this one for “Summer Girl”.
Anderson also cast Alana’s siblings and their parents as her family in this film. One scene in the film, where Alana takes her atheist boyfriend out to shabbat dinner was a real-life scene. Alana stated, “I recall telling Paul that story.” It was then in the script!
Mason stated, “You knew how you could play that scene.”
“Oh yes, I knew how you played that scene. My dad, in particular, knew how to play this scene.”
Alana: “Why would that happen? You would never do that! It makes me feel like he was going to be my boyfriend.
Father: “Listen, young woman, you don’t bring this idiot here to shabbat dinner.”
Alana: “Listen Dad, he is an atheist and an actor. He’s also famous.
Father: “But he’s Jewish.”
Alana: “He was going to take me outta there. Este, don’t you even look at me. Don’t you even look at me. You look at me constantly.”
Mason asked the Haim sisters: “Did your guys like making movies?”
“Loved!” said Este. Este said, “Loved, but not liked. Loved. It was great fun!”
The filming brought back the sisters, who were previously inseparable after they had been separated by COVID. Mason stated, “You’re not used to not being able to see each other.”
“No!” They answered unison.
Canter’s Deli, Los Angeles has been the family’s favorite hangout for many years. Este stated, “I don’t recall when we weren’t here.”
On the cover of their new album, “Women in Music,” they’re behind Canter’s counter. They were nominated for the Grammy Album of the Year Award.
They made their musical debut as children in Rockinhaim with their parents.
Mason asked: “Who was back there in the crowd?”
“No one!” They laughed.
Alana stated, “We were so nervous even though there wasn’t anyone here.”
They were paid with matzoh balls soup, which is still a favourite. They played in other bands for a while, but soon realized that playing with their family was the best.
Este stated, “I just graduated from college; Alana just graduated high school. Danielle wasn’t touring anymore and collectively, I believe we were, like it’s now or never.”
Alana stated, “We have to do this.”
HAIM’s first EP, “Forever”, was released in 2012.
Alana stated, “Our first show right away after we got signed, was my first. I walked out of the door to find a line and I asked the first person: ‘What’s this line for?’ They’re like, “To see you?”
Their debut album, Days Are Gone, reached #1 in the U.K. and #6 in America. Anderson, who was the director of “Boogie Nights,” Magnolia,”and “Punch Drunk Love,” noticed that Anderson had unknowingly a connection with the Haim sisters through their mother.
Danielle stated, “She was an artist teacher.”
“And he was actually she’s student?” Mason asked.
Danielle said, “Yes, when he turned eighteen.” My Mom would say, “But every time one his movies would appear on TV as a child, it was because I had taught him how to make this movie.” We’re like, “Really?” “Yeah, he learned it when he was eight years of age.” I taught him finger-painting. We’re, like, ‘Okay, Mom.'”
They met through a mutual friend. Alana laughed. “And we were like, ‘Oh, God!’ He pulled out a painting. He said, “I painted this with my Mom, and I have kept it all these many years.”
Este said, “And then, like, Facetimed mother.” It was like a reunion. It felt very familial.
Alana stated, “This incredible friendship just started, but now we refuse to give him up!”
Anderson shot a short film at Valentine Recording Studios while the sisters were working on their second album. Mason then met the Haim sisters.
Alana stated, “Even just being in this space is bringing back so many fond memories.” It was the first time we had ever seen anything that felt and looked and sounded like us.
Mason asked: “How would your artistic description of that relationship look?”
Este responded, “A lot of trust.” “We trust him implicitly.”
All of this led to Haim’s moment in “Licorice pizza” and Alana’s staring role.
Mason asked: “Last Thing: How do I feel about what has happened to her?”
“Oh God …” Alana said.
“How do you feel about what she has done?” said Este. Este said, “Like the fact that our littlest sibling is, like.. this on-screen gem, like?” Is this a star? It was there in me! It’s there, I believe, and you can also see it in the music videos. Alana has always been this shiny …”.
“Unpredictable!” Alana chuckled.
“No, I was going to say this, like, shining beacons of light. It’s impossible to look away from Alana.
“Oh my God. Thank you. Jesus!”
“No, it’s true.” Este said.
“It is also strange to receive compliments from your siblings. It’s strange,” Alana stated.
“You’re welcome, Alana.”
“I appreciate it, I appreciate it!”
