Inherent Vice

A 2014 American neo-noir comedy thriller directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, based on the novel of the same name by Thomas Pynchon. Set in 1970 Los Angeles, the film follows private investigator and hippie Larry "Doc" Sportello (Joaquin Phoenix) as he investigates the disappearance of his former girlfriend, Shasta Fay Hepworth (Katherine Waterston), and her new lover, billionaire real estate developer Michael "Mickey" Wolfmann (Eric Roberts). Along the way, Doc encounters a host of eccentric characters, including detective Christian "Bigfoot" Bjornsen (Josh Brolin), musician Coy Harlingen (Owen Wilson), and attorney Sauncho Smilax (Benicio del Toro). The film blends elements of psychedelic comedy, crime thriller, and satire of 1960s counterculture. The score was composed by Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood, and cinematography was handled by Robert Elswit. The film received positive reviews for its performances, atmosphere, and fidelity to Pynchon's style, though some critics noted its complex and convoluted plot. It was nominated for two Academy Awards: Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Costume Design.