Chris Pine's Love Letter to LA

Join us as Chris takes us through 10 of his favorite LA locales, and reminds us to cherish our roots as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of our beloved city.  

Hey Angelenos!

We're thrilled to welcome a special guest to our blog: the one and only Chris Pine! Known for his iconic roles and mutual love for our vibrant city, Chris is here to share his passion for the often-overlooked side of Los Angeles (if you’re new here - that’s the one we love most!) and the inspiration behind his latest project (and directorial debut!),  POOLMAN!

In the film, Chris embodies the spirit of Darren Barrenman, a local hero fighting to safeguard the true essence of LA amidst a backdrop of corruption and change. Darren's journey mirrors the resilience and fortitude that define the true character of our city. As any true Angeleno will tell you, Hollywood isn't just a place—it's a state of mind. It's a never-ending story and vibrant tapestry of artistry, innovation, and boundless opportunity that encourages you to embrace your identity and leave your mark on the world.

From its humble beginnings to cementing its status as the entertainment capital of the world, LA is about so much more than just the entertainment industry. With over 400 neighborhoods (yes, really!), each with its own unique character, LA is a symbol of resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. It's a mindset that transcends geography, publicity, and branding, inspiring artists and creators from every corner of the globe to trust their gut, chase their dreams, and defy the odds. 

As a native Angeleno himself, Chris's nostalgia for the bygone era of Los Angeles is both palpable and relatable. It's individuals like Chris, with his profound respect for the past and unwavering commitment to preserving our city's essence, that originally inspired us here at LA Explained to honor all those who came before us while charting a path and building a better foundation for the future. If we're lucky, we hope to make a little history of our own along the way.

Join us as Chris takes us on an unforgettable journey through the heart and soul of Los Angeles, reminding us to cherish our roots as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of our beloved city. 

Welcome aboard, Chris - and take it away!

-LA EXPLAINED 

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#1: The Biltmore: The grande dame of Downtown - the Biltmore. The incredible craftsmanship involved in creating this space is unimaginable today. We were fortunate to shoot here for a week and I loved it.

#2: Chinatown: A timeless & iconic neighborhood in our city. The colors & architecture of Chinatown created the perfect backdrop for our pivotal stakeout scene.

#3: Olvera Street: I remember going to Olvera Street as a kid with my folks to eat great Mexican food and peruse the vendors selling all manner of tchotchkes. For a kid growing up in the Valley, the sights & sounds were captivating.

#4: Barnsdall Art Park: Barnsdall Art Park is 11.5 beautiful acres in East Hollywood, the center of which is Hollyhock - an architectural masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright.

#5: Heritage Square Park: Nothing says Poolman like a group of concerned citizens getting together to create a haven for architecturally & historically significant buildings. Heritage Square is a reminder of what we used to build in this city.

#6: Kuruvungna Village Springs in Santa Monica: Older than Olvera Street and Chinatown, these springs held spiritual significance for the original inhabitants of the area we call Los Angeles. It’s a gem hidden in plain sight.

#7: Santa Anita Park: Before SoFi, there was Santa Anita Park. From the wood-paneled walls of the Turf Club to the color checkerboard floor of the betting stalls: you can imagine Cary Grant & Lana Turner getting dressed in their Sunday best to take in a day at the races. It was a privilege to shoot there and feel the connection to old Hollywood.

#8: West Adams: I’m always blown away by the rich architectural history embedded in West Adams. Everything from the size, to the scope, the imagination, and the grandeur of what was once one of the wealthier sections of our city.

#9: The Old Place: The Old Place in Malibu makes me feel like I’m miles away from the congestion of the city. It reminds me of what the outskirts of LA must have been like in the early parts of the 20th century.

#10: The Lummis House: Charles Lummis and his home are both worth a deep dive. An artist, intellectual, and eccentric who once walked from Cincinnati to LA. I would have given anything to attend one of his parties (which he called “noises.”)

Watch Poolman in theatres May 10th!