L.A. Without a Map

The film tends to fizzle out, like the bright lights of Hollywood for the main character, Bradford undertaker Richard (David Tennant), but the movie is still worth viewing. I enjoyed it, especially the drab lighting in Bradford turning to the neon colors of Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and actress wannabe Barbara (Vinessa Shaw), and then blending to black and white. The two don't stand a chance of working out together, but they do. The character development is shallow and much in the film is predictable enough to draw from it greatness, but the contrasting views (European and America, rich and poor, dreams and reality) give the film just enough spice to make this a good film. Vincent Gallo's character, Moss, is funny, and the cameo appearance by Johnny Depp is good--his poster eyes talk--and should have been played out along with Barbara talking with her dead father. (7/10)

I saw this film at the Brussels International Film Festival. The Finnish director, Mika Kaurismäki, participated also in this "special screening". The film is a nice, delightful love story. There's this Scottish boy who falls in love with a girl who comes from Los Angeles. Eventually, the boy follows her to the City of Angels.

Half comedy, half romance. A nice film.

***/*****

This movie is worth seeing.......Vincent Gallo is hilarious. If you don't need a lot of action, if dialogue satisfies you then this movie will suit your taste. Bizarre, quirky, if you liked Swingers, Go, Very Bad Things...L.A without a Map, will be a favorite of yours.

I realize that I should not comment on other peoples comments, but sometimes it just p***es me of how low the rating is.

L.A. Without a Map is not really a "romantic comedy" a la Meg Ryan/Sandra Bullock, but it IS very romantic and sometimes funny and sad. The main character is a pretty strange man, and the female character is far from being "a good girl". I would catalogize it as Tragic comedy/Drama. This movie is probably an example of how "non-standard" films are unpopular with many people. DO NOT watch this movie if you like Jennifer Love Hewitt.

The lighting here is dark and realistic almost like a documentary at times. The characters are real characters with depth. Tennant and Shaw are great. Unlike a "romantic comedy" the ending is not retarded and predictable. Tennant is the last person you would expect as the "hero" of a "romantic comedy". He gives the movie depth and realism. All characters of the move are actually anti-heroes. The movie is still funny and positive and deeply human.

Although the box may have JOHNNY DEPP & VINCENT GALLO in big letters, both actors play minor parts. Some very magical Depp cameo moments. Gallo is amazing and funny as hell the whole time he's on film. Any fan of his will definately want to see this. There's also a main love story that tries desperately to be charming but just ends up boring and lame. (I already know L.A. is fake--I just wanna hear more philosophy from Vincent Gallo.) This movie is supposedly hard to find. Maybe you can get a pirated copy.