Los Angeles Plays Itself (2004): cast, story & where to watch
2004 · Film · ★ 7.8
Released in 2004, Los Angeles Plays Itself is a documentary film directed by Thom Andersen, running about 169 minutes.
What it’s about. From its distinctive neighborhoods to its architectural homes, Los Angeles has been the backdrop to countless movies. In this dazzling work, Andersen takes viewers on a whirlwind tour through the metropolis' real and cinematic history, investigating the myriad stories and legends that have come to define it, and meticulously, judiciously revealing the real city that lives beneath.
Who’s in it. Los Angeles Plays Itself stars Encke King as Narrator (voice), Ben Alexander as Officer Frank Smith in Dragnet (archive footage), Jim Backus as Frank Stark in Rebel Without A Cause (archive footage) and Brenda Bakke as Lana Turner in L.A. Confidential (archive footage), among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 7.8/10, Los Angeles Plays Itself has been warmly received by audiences.
Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Los Angeles Plays Itself page.
If you liked it. Fans of Los Angeles Plays Itself tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Los Angeles Plays Itself (2004)?
- In US, Los Angeles Plays Itself is available to rent or buy from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Los Angeles Plays Itself worth watching?
- Los Angeles Plays Itself holds an audience score of 7.8 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Most viewers rate it highly.
- Who stars in Los Angeles Plays Itself?
- Los Angeles Plays Itself stars Encke King, Ben Alexander, Jim Backus, Brenda Bakke and Barbara O. Jones.
- When was Los Angeles Plays Itself released?
- Los Angeles Plays Itself was released in 2004, with a runtime of about 169 minutes.