Everything You Need To Know About Paul Thomas Anderson's Next Film Soggy Bottom Starring Bradley Cooper
Bradley Cooper's most recent success came with Lady Gaga in 2018's A Star Is Born, which he produced, directed, and starred in. The film was a huge hit, earning the Academy Award for Best Original Song, as well as 7 other Academy Award nominations. Now Bradley Cooper is back with big-time director Paul Thomas Anderson, their first collaboration, and PTA's first film since his acclaimed 2017 film, Phantom Thread.
Paul Thomas Anderson's next film, titled Soggy Bottom will feature Bradley Cooper in the lead role as a film director and producer in Hollywood. The movie will be set in 1970's Los Angeles, CA. It will be released November 26, 2021.
Last week, we discussed Martin Scorsese's next film, Killers of the Flower Moon. Now, we are going to take a look at another legendary director's next film. Paul Thomas Anderson, known for his exceptional movies Boogie Nights, The Master, and There Will Be Blood, to name literally just a few, is on to his next project.
The film has a working title of Soggy Bottom and is set in 1970's Los Angeles. As far as the cast goes, there are some interesting choices to note here. Newcomers, as well as established greats, will star together in this 1970's adventure.
Since Phillip Seymour Hoffman was a constant collaborator of Paul Thomas Anderson, most notably in 2012's The Master, it is exciting to report that his son, Cooper Hoffman, will play an important role. Cooper is 18 years old and looking to step into the very large shoes his father left as one of the most revered actors of his generation.
Where Does Soggy Bottom Take Place?
Like many of Paul Thomas Anderson's films, Soggy Bottom will take place in the San Fernando Valley. Fans of Magnolia, his most ambitious film, will be pleased to hear this. The setting will include a high school, ostensibly where the young actor Cooper Hoffman goes.
Although little else is known about the film, the setting seems to be one of the greatest selling points. For fans of PTA's past glories, especially Boogie Nights, which in large part took place in the 1970s and 1980s, this is welcome news.
After seeing how amazing 1969’s Los Angeles looked in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, one can optimistically hope that this film will be similar in terms of setting and locations. After all, Anderson was one of that film's biggest fans.
An Interesting Connection to A Star Is Born
Since the middle of last year, rumors have been swirling that Bradley Cooper, the lead actor, and director of 2018's A Star Is Born will be playing Jon Peters, a famous Hollywood producer who was involved with the 1976 version as well-acclaimed 2018 film.
Although no official commentary exists for these claims, a clear similarity exists between Jon Peters in the 1970s and Bradley Cooper's costume for this film. Look below and be the judge on whether or not Cooper and Peters are linked in this film.
If the film is about Jon Peters, and the making of A Star Is Born, then the casting of Bradley Cooper as Peters is a tongue-in-cheek nod to that idea. It is a move that is quite meta, and one can be sure that Paul Thomas Anderson's spin on this will be quite interesting indeed.
As in many films, the case could also be that Cooper's character is simply based loosely on Peters or even just takes cues in terms of costume design from the producer.
Filming Soggy Bottom During COVID-19 Lockdown
Appropriate measures had to be taken in order to film this movie given that it took place during the COVID-19 lockdown and quarantine. The cast and crew were good sports about it and were reportedly tested weekly and were also required to wear their masks at all times, unless in the featured shot.
Indeed, one of the features of most of Paul Thomas Anderson's films came in handy. Since PTA usually shoots on-site, no stage shooting was required. This made things a little bit easier for everyone involved and should also give the film a more realistic feel.
This will be one of the first big films to come out of the COVID-19 filming era, and if the film festivals are going to return this year, it is expected that Soggy Bottom will be on the lineup. As such, we expect the festivals to take place in a different month than they normally would, given each country's schedule regarding the lifting of stringent COVID-19 requirements.
The Cast Of Soggy Bottom
- Cooper Hoffman as a child actor and high school student
- Bradley Cooper as a film director and producer
- Benny Safdie as a politician running for office
- Alana Haim
- Joseph Cross
- Skyler Gisondo
- Nate Mann as Brian
While we await more information regarding the film until its November release, we can say that we are excited to see Benny Safdie, of the Safdie Brothers filmmaking duo, in this film. He is expected to play some sort of politician running for office.
After all, Paul Thomas Anderson is a big fan of their 2019 hit, Uncut Gems. Here is the audio of their long-form discussion on the topic.
Opinions and Perspectives
The filming locations alone make this worth seeing. PTA knows the Valley better than anyone.
Something tells me this will be more character-driven than plot-heavy. Classic PTA style.
Really curious about how they'll handle the Hollywood insider aspects without being too self-indulgent.
The fact that PTA is such a fan of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood makes me optimistic about the period details.
I keep thinking about how Philip Seymour Hoffman would have fit into this story.
Anyone else think this might be loosely autobiographical? PTA grew up in the Valley during this era.
Still cant believe they managed to film this during lockdown. Must have been challenging.
The title must have something to do with the Valley. Maybe a reference to the heat?
This could be Cooper's best performance yet. PTA tends to bring out the best in actors.
Looking forward to seeing how they recreate 70s Hollywood. That's always fascinating.
The November release seems strategic. They must be confident about its quality.
I wonder if they'll include any references to the original A Star Is Born in this.
The weekly COVID testing must have added a whole new level of stress to the production.
Just hoping they nail the 70s aesthetic without making it feel like a pastiche.
What if this turns out to be more comedy than drama? PTA has shown he can do humor well.
The cast mix of veterans and newcomers is brilliant. PTA always knows how to balance his ensemble.
I'm concerned about the running time. PTA's films tend to be long and this story seems complex.
Anyone else think this could be PTA's most personal film yet? The Valley setting and era suggest that.
The COVID protocols might actually add an interesting layer of intimacy to the performances.
I read somewhere that Cooper did extensive research on 70s Hollywood for this role. Should be authentic.
The high school setting makes me think this might have some coming-of-age elements. That would be new for PTA.
Not sure about this meta approach if it really is about Jon Peters. Might be too clever for its own good.
The costume similarities between Cooper and Jon Peters are uncanny. Must be more than coincidence.
I'm just happy to see Bradley Cooper in a real actor's role again instead of another blockbuster.
The political angle with Benny Safdie's character intrigues me. PTA hasn't really explored politics before.
Wonder if Lady Gaga will make a cameo given the A Star Is Born connection. That would be interesting.
I love that they're shooting on location. Always gives PTA's films such authenticity.
The real question is whether this will live up to Phantom Thread. That's a tough act to follow.
Mainstream? Have you seen his other films? I doubt PTA will compromise his style for mass appeal.
Anyone else think this might be PTA's most accessible film yet? The cast and subject matter seem more mainstream.
The working title Soggy Bottom has me puzzled. Wonder if it has some deeper meaning we'll understand later.
I'm actually worried about Cooper Hoffman. First-time actors in major films can be hit or miss.
What interests me most is the potential commentary on Hollywood's self-obsession. PTA usually has something to say about that.
Let's not forget PTA shot this during lockdown. That alone makes it interesting from a technical standpoint.
Having seen what Tarantino did with 1969 LA makes me even more excited to see PTA's take on the 70s.
Not sure why everyone's so excited about the 70s setting. Feels like we've seen this before in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
The November release date seems perfect for awards season. I bet they're positioning this for Oscar consideration.
I'm more interested in seeing how Cooper Hoffman handles his first major role. Those are huge shoes to fill.
You might be right about that connection. PTA usually has layers of meaning in his work.
The connection to A Star Is Born feels too coincidental. I bet there's more to this story than what's being revealed.
Does anyone know if this will have the same kind of intense character study as There Will Be Blood? That's what I'm hoping for.
The casting of Benny Safdie is fascinating. I loved Uncut Gems and I'm curious to see his acting chops in this.
I strongly disagree about the Valley setting. It's practically a character in PTA's films and I love how he portrays it.
Honestly, the San Fernando Valley setting feels played out. I wish PTA would explore different locations for once.
The COVID filming protocols make me nervous about the final product. I wonder if it affected the creative process at all.
I actually think casting Bradley Cooper as Jon Peters is a bit on the nose. Would have preferred to see someone less obvious in the role.
Anyone else think it's beautiful that Cooper Hoffman is carrying on his father's legacy by working with PTA? I get emotional just thinking about it.
The 1970s San Fernando Valley setting has me intrigued. PTA always captures that era so perfectly, just look at what he did with Boogie Nights.
I'm really excited to see Bradley Cooper take on this role. His work in A Star Is Born was incredible, and working with PTA could bring out even more of his talent.