Paul Thomas Anderson worked with Philip Seymour Hoffman and gained recognition.
Magnolia (film) . The film stars Jeremy Blackman , Tom Cruise , Melinda Dillon , Philip Baker Hall , Philip Seymour Hoffman , Ricky Jay , William H. Macy , Alfred Molina , Julianne Moore , John C. Reilly , Jason Robards and Melora Walters , and is a mosaic of interrelated characters in search of happiness , forgiveness and meaning in the San Fernando Valley . Magnolia received positive reviews , with critics praising its acting , direction , storytelling , ambition , and its soundtrack , largely consisting of Aimee Mann songs ; however , some deemed it overlong and melodramatic . The film also won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival . Paul Thomas Anderson . His third feature , Magnolia ( 1999 ) , takes place over a single day in the San Fernando Valley , following the interconnected lives of several characters in search of happiness and resolution .