To Live on Film in LA: Exploring Los Angeles Through Movies

[@PanelstoPixels]

It's weird - Despite the fact that I've never left Europe, I feel intimately familiar with LA (and New York too). I've experienced the sights and sounds through so many films, games and comics. I can feel the hazy air and the smell of hot concrete when I watch Pulp Fiction, Terminator 2, Drive, Straight outta Compton, Big Lebowski, etc. Good lord, this video was fantastic!

[@MattDraper]

Thanks, my dude! When I visited New York, it felt immediately familiar because of all the films I've seen, so I totally get where you're coming from. Terminator 2 LA really feels like my childhood and Big Lebowski might be one of the most relatable LA films EVER. I should do a Lebowski video sometime soon.

[@NazriB]

Lies again? Los Angeles Movies USD SGD

[@sifatshams1113]

The greatest film to ever capture the mysterious soul of Los Angeles: Mulholland Drive

[@MattDraper]

Featured Films (In Order of First Appearance): Tangerine Double Indemnity Lethal Weapon Mulholland Drive Magnolia Boogie Nights A Star is Born Drive Stand and Deliver The Graduate Collateral Pulp Fiction A Better Life Boyz N Tha Hood Body Double La La Land The Terminator Iron Man The Invitation Inland Empire Blade Runner Rebel Without a Cause Transformers Clueless Chinatown Night of the Comet Strange Days Born in East LA Valley Girl Sunset Blvd Terminator 2 Day of the Locust Nightcrawler To Live and Die in LA Crank Repo Man Under the Silver Lake Blade Samurai Cop The Nice Guys Heat San Andreas Volcano 2012 The Omega Man (500) Days of Summer Inherent Vice Swingers The Big Lebowski Friday Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Assault on Precinct 13 Punch Drunk Love The Artist This is The End The Neon Demon Straight Outta Compton The Player Ed Wood The Fast and The Furious LA Confidential The Big Sleep They Live Xanadu Southland Tales Crash Training Day Escape from LA Speed Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Hail Ceasar White Men Can’t Jump Dope Blade Runner 2049 Miracle Mile Jackie Brown Constantine Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Singing in the Rain

[@captainjakemerica4579]

Thanks

[@slumpnessmonster]

Mullholland drive and To live and Die in LA are my favorite Los Angeles movies

[@SnapperChannel]

That’s the magic of film. Even if it’s a same location, many stories can be told from many perspectives so it stays unique and fresh at the same time. Great job, this is one of your best videos to date. Loved noticing how many movies I have seen that were featured. Also, thank you for putting clips from Under the Silver Lake. It’s an underrated film in my opinion and no one ever talks about it which is a shame.

[@MattDraper]

Thanks! Great insights. Yeah, Silver Lake seems pretty divisive, but I figured more people would be talking about it.

[@fad23]

I grew up in the east side, City Terrace. Spent my teen years on the walk of fame, Melrose and Westwood. I was an extra in the movie about my High School, Stand & Deliver, while it was shooting there. I visited TV studios a lot and kinda took that for granted. It might not have been until I was an adult when I first thought about Los Angeles from a film perspective. Maybe Swingers captured one perspective for me that I recognized, even as a native. But maybe before that it was Singin' in the Rain, obviously a studio film, which named streets I recognized from my youthful exploration. I think it wasn't until I left Los Angeles that I saw how my motherland was seen by folks who'd never been there. La La Land and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood both captured things that feel like home to me.

[@willie9084]

I've been living in this city for the past 5 years and this video almost brought me to tears, I've gone from being in awe every time I saw its bright lights to feeling unimaginable comfort while sleeping on the street under them, from feeling angry and lonely in its giant grip to finding self contentment in its isolation. It has a reputation for being fake, and thats true, but hiding under its facade are some of the most genuine people you'll ever meet. Its a place where Im finally not the only Salvadoran, where I've had the chance to do the things I love and also some I didn't love at all, Its a city that in taking from me has also become a part of my soul and everyday I wake up Im excited to be here because I know Im part of its bizarre, star studded story, another cast member here until the big one hits.

[@MattDraper]

I love the thoughts and feelings you've shared. They feel incredibly true to life in LA. Thank you!

[@NTWoo95]

I think Shane Black really captures L.A in all it’s frightening beauty. My favourite L.A film is The Nice Guys

[@ChryskylodonInstitute]

Props for editing Inherent Vice in, if only for a second. My favorite film. And I think a underrated LA movie.

[@RickNazden]

Great job man. As an la native I think about the way our city is depicted a lot, but ultimately I'm just happy we get so much content while some places are so under documented

[@MattDraper]

Thanks, my dude! There really is an overwhelming amount of LA films. I easily could've add a hundred more in this video.

[@RyanLBrown9396]

That’s the beauty about our City. It’s a chameleon

[@dio_tr970]

Los Angeles Is my favorite Horror comic book!

[@LukeDodge916]

What a great love letter to LA. I have a soft spot for LA and I've never been sure why. I think I always wanted to have grown up there, even though I didn't even get to visit until 2007. But I do love that town...

[@michaelstarr9812]

Well said, well done! managed to ca[pture the idea of this patchwork southern california are we live in, Growing up in L.A. sometimes you have your own favorite historic movie-landmarks!

[@nursesleeping]

Always a pleasure to see your videos! I see your page update. I must watch

[@MattDraper]

Thank you!

[@RyanLBrown9396]

That in itself is a awesome idea for a future video. LA Noire. So many films to talk about

[@McDermottYT]

I was listening to this while editing at work and literally stopped what i was doing just to pay full attention to this video. this was legitimately moving. so much passion and genuine care put into this video. Matt is really in a class of his own

[@MattDraper]

Thank you!

[@MrCharlesWidmore]

Speed and Columbo are my favourites.....

[@fad23]

Seeing my homeland on film always brings it back for me. I haven't had a chance to view the video yet, but I'm looking forward.

[@kolelyndonlee9888]

Great video. Best explanation of LA I've seen in a video essay. I've been here for about 9 years now. Exactly the kind of guy you mentioned. Moved here from a small town in Texas and am finally making my way.

[@jonathanramos8414]

I feel like California and Texas share some similarities. They are both border states and have large Mexican american populations. And tex mex is highly popular. Although I hear texan Mexican food is different to cali.

[@clairekim2525]

Beautiful video! I think it’s a testament to the insight of your analysis that I don’t necessarily relate to all of your experiences or interpretations, but having grown up and lived in the San Gabriel Valley all my life I totally agree with the idea of “LA movies” as a collection of “handheld mirrors” that reflect just tiny slivers of lives. That’s part of why I like films like Magnolia so much, which to me showcase the strange connections and coincidences that somehow tie together a bunch of lonely people, but in a way that’s so specific to LA (especially to what would be considered “suburbs” more than downtown).

[@themoviedealers]

Very well done essay.

[@GrindHouse1990]

I love this video!

[@jaredgarcia8638]

Nicely done And using The Midnight again I see.

[@treeman8773]

Unfortunately I had to wait a couple of hours to watch this video, but now I'm excited to finally see it because this is literally the best channel on KZbin.

[@MattDraper]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@treeman8773]

​@@MattDraperI did as always.

[@OwenLikesComics]

I love this video so much.

[@MattDraper]

Thanks, Owen! I’m glad to hear that because this is sort of me spilling out all my thoughts and feelings through a video. I was wondering if it would end up making any sense.

[@OwenLikesComics]

@@MattDraper honestly you can feel your passion and love for the city bleed through the video. As someone that spent (an albeit brief) time in LA, you can definitely feel everything you're saying.

[@jeffreysmith694]

great doc called LA Plays Itself which really goes in depth on sites in and around LA in the movies if anyone is interested.

[@abdulahad0736]

I've feel it in movies, explored in games. City of Angels❤

[@sdlstr91]

Keep it up Matt, great video!

[@captainjakemerica4579]

Gosh wow nice video on Los Angeles it seems like now though Hollywood is filming mainly in Atlanta and England and Canada and Australia

[@captainjakemerica4579]

Nice use of the Once Upon A Time In Hollywood clip!!!

[@PopeBrandonBrownson]

Starting a video with The Midnight playin' in the background? That's a like!

[@Chandasouk]

LA Confidential was my exposure to noire LA!

[@OPTAFTP]

glad to see miracle mile made the cut right at the end. respect. subbed.

[@Koopaklown]

I've got a ton of family down in LA, and whenever I visit I get that vibe you're talking about. On a side note, Griffith Observatory will forever remind me of The Rocketeer.

[@MattDraper]

I really wanted to get a Rocketeer clip in here! Just couldn’t find a decent quality clip.

[@Koopaklown]

@@MattDraper It's the thought that counts. Love your vids, keep up the awesome work!

[@Crushenator500]

Loved this.

[@kerryglynn3627]

To Live and Die in L.A. was awesome.

[@illaveyoubutler3588]

Watched a double bill of Beyond The a Valley Of The Dolls and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood......Two idiosyncratic visions of late 60’s Los Angeles

[@johnnieriot13]

Great work man. Bravo

[@MattDraper]

Thank you!

[@imjmar]

Oh yeah, it’s dead at work so this is just what I needed right now

[@scottewing2031]

Very well written - and a stunning array of images. Anyone interested in this topic should definitely check out the great documentary 'Los Angeles Plays Itself .'

[@TheScaryTruthCatalyst]

Your background music is by 'The Midnight' and 'FM84'! Nice choices, which suit your subject matter! Good work!

[@MattDraper]

Yep! And they’re both tracks titled ... “Los Angeles.”

[@TheScaryTruthCatalyst]

@@MattDraper Yes, I've just realised! It's always nice to encounter a fellow 'Synthwaver'! 😁

[@designwhys]

Miracle Mile 👏🏻

[@chrisjimenez2192]

Yeah

[@twilightofthegods3797]

One day I’ll call this my home 🏡 this is my manifestation ❤️

[@captainjakemerica4579]

Neon Demon took place in LA?

[@Fastchannel-s3e]

Can anyone tell me which movie is it 2:55

[@helious5056]

I have a recommendation for something you should check out. The colabrative art project, mashup comic and fan work BARTKIRA

[@OwenLikesComics]

I second this!

[@MattDraper]

I haven’t seen this before so I’ll check it out!

[@helious5056]

@@MattDraper you should it's an absolutely facinating and suprisingly breathtaking comic

[@OwenLikesComics]

@@MattDraper Check out SuperEyepatchWolf's video on the Simpsons, he mentions it in that (first time I'd heard of it). It's basically a shot-for-shot graphic novel remake of Akira but replaced with Simpsons characters and locations.

[@NoName-fv5oo]

2:33 what movie is this

[@joshperry7644]

Which building is that movie scene die hard 1 is ?

[@FisherKing9633]

Having never been to L.A., I feel like the movie that gave me the best impression of what the City of the Angels actually is like, is L.A. Confidential.

[@SnakeRoadComicsOfficial3677]

Imagine a film where every single film set in LA are Canon and are currently happening all at once. That'll make a chaotic ride.

[@jakethet3206]

First of all, allow me to say, generally speaking, you do great work, and I especially appreciate how varied your subject matter is, and how well researched they usually seem. Regarding this video, firstly, I’d really love to read a little bit about how influenced (or how you tried not to be) by Los Angeles Plays Itself. Second, I obviously don’t know which suburb you grew up in, but I can only assume that it was one of the more distant ones that lie outside Los Angeles County, because I grew up (and reside again now) in The Valley (San Fernando Valley, for those of you not versed in our names,) and we consider ourselves to be Angelenos. We aren’t observing the city, we’re living it. I like to say “In the daytime, this is The Valley. At night, it’s Los Angeles.” Since you live “more deeply” here now, I’m sure you understand what I mean.

[@MattDraper]

Thanks! I've actually never seen Los Angeles Plays Itself. I know about it, but I've actively avoided watching it so that this piece could be its own thing and I've wanted to make this for awhile. I can finally go watch it now. I totally get what you're saying about The Valley. My hometown is very close to the city of LA and is right in the middle of the county, and maybe it's just my personal experience, but it always felt different from LA. Who knows, maybe others felt differently, but that was the experience the me. Thank you for your thoughts!

[@fhills76]

And in October LA can once again be called the home of the World Series Champions

[@MattDraper]

I don’t know, I’ve been a Dodgers fan too long to count on them winning the series!

[@ronaldfuentes6222]

well this sadly didn't age too well

[@asianguy6174]

4 million people? That's the part that is technically LA, but the city itself is more like 10 million.

[@lucioagelvis2134]

Speed- Collateral- Falling down (1993)- Escape from the planet of the Apes (1971)- Shortcuts (1993) The Player (1992) Trespass (1992) Magnolia- The Terminator . A writer for British Film Magazine Empire wrote " Latinos are woefully underrepresented in movies (in general or set in Los Angeles) They couldn't find a Mexican to play a Mexican in the High school Musical series.

[@jackofallclaws6672]

Can we get some more videos on Noir type stories? Or maybe your own video essay on King Kong?

[@MattDraper]

I definitely want to cover noir and King Kong!

[@stellarsoul5606]

Well said!!

[@joshperry7644]

This is my first time in Los Angeles, California

[@Chuggington_Videos]

Los Angeles is the best The Midnight song.

[@MattDraper]

It’s amazing! I gotta go with Vampires, but that’s obvious, I guess.

[@Chuggington_Videos]

You know, I originally subscribed to you because I watched your video on Spider-Man Blue and it reduced me to tears and YET that was still not what made me subscribe. It was the fact that you use The Midnight in basically all your videos. So, thank you, Vampires.

[@dlteodorian]

i was always in love with Bukowski's L.a

[@MattDraper]

A very interesting pair of eyes through which to see the city!

[@captainjakemerica4579]

Great video Matt holy shit this might be your best one!!!!

[@MattDraper]

Thanks, man!

[@captainjakemerica4579]

@@MattDraper Yeah maybe do a sequel video to this one on New York City and then complete a trilogy and do it on England or Canada

[@bobroberts2371]

What? No reference to the movie LA Story ?

[@6Shooter28]

excuse you Southland Tales is fantastic. not L.A.: The Movie, sure, but still great

[@jonathanramos8414]

How can you not show the gang slash cop movies about LA? Colors, Boyz n the hood, blood in blood out, American me, training day, end of watch

[@cstpa1]

falling down 1993

[@YoungShizzie]

im in la film

[@theotherwarner]

Also think L.A. Confidential should have won Best Picture in 1997? Check out my review! hobbiesiwatchmovies.com/2019/09/05/retrospective-reviews-l-a-confidential-1997/

[@captainjakemerica4579]

Crash is overrated af

[@madihjorth8164]

LA has a homeless crisis now. It’s sad

[@jadencharles8943]

Sad new yorkian noises

[@JEazy-jh1qp]

YURRR

[@jakethet3206]

A) It’s “Los Angeles,” not “L.A.” Would you refer to New York as “N.Y?” B) This city is not in love with itself. It’s conveniently located. If the studios were located in St. Louis, that would be the most filmed city. Guess where most of Edison’s movies were filmed? In New Jersey, where his lab was. Also, saying that is kind of in direct conflict with “write what you know.” C) Go watch Los Angeles Plays Itself (available for free on kanopy with a library card) if you want a deep look at Los Angeles on film. D) Don’t forget: Many millions of regular folks are the lifeblood of this city, and only 100,000 of these people actually work in “Hollywood,” so show some respect, please.