Southlander: Diary of a Desperate Musician (2001)

50% of critics liked it
(8 reviews)
50% of users liked it
(453 ratings)

Music video director Steven Hanft makes his feature debut with the digital video project Southlander, an absurd independent film starring various beloved indie pop musicians. Rory Cochrane stars as Chance, a musician who loses his extremely rare magical synthesizer which takes the form of a white… More Music video director Steven Hanft makes his feature debut with the digital video project Southlander, an absurd independent film starring various beloved indie pop musicians. Rory Cochrane stars as Chance, a musician who loses his extremely rare magical synthesizer which takes the form of a white 1969 Moletron keyboard. He looks for it by wandering around a de-glamorised Southern California with pal Rossangeles (co-writer Ross Harris from DJ Me DJ You and Sukia). They sometimes find clues in the local classified newspaper called the Southlander, which leads them to meet interesting folks.Their adventures eventually lead them to the home of former funk legend-turned-tennis player Mother Child (Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs from Welcome Back Kotter) and his blonde girlfriend Snowbunny (Meghan Gallagher). Beth Orton stars as Chance's love interest Rocket and the leader of the band Future Pigeon. Beck plays Bek, his younger pre-stardom self, back when he was into drugs and recording music by himself in a shack. Also starring Ione Skye, Hank Williams III, Richard Edson, and Elliot Smith. Southlander was shown at the 2001 South by Southwest Film Festival. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 20 min.
Directed By: Steve Hanft, Steven Hanft
Genres: Drama, Musical & Performing Arts, Comedy, Special Interest

In Theaters: Mar 12, 2001 Wide
On DVD: Oct 7, 2003
Studio: MVD Music Video

Critic Reviews

Randy Cordova, Arizona Republic
Seems like the product of someone who has hit the bong a few too many times.
V.A. Musetto, New York Post
Steve Hanft ... shot Southlander on digital video for what looks like $99.99. But who needs a big budget when you have a quirky script, an energetic cast and a soundtrack that features Union 13, the Blondes, Future Pigeon and Omega Man?
Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News
Southlander does have enough energy and wit to make a solid music video. But that leaves us with about 80 minutes too many.
Stephen Holden, New York Times
Too fragmentary and too devoted to its self-referential ethos to transcend its insular vision of rock's lunatic fringe.
Jon Lap, Apollo Guide
Hanft captures the goosy, roach-of-a-joint lifestyle pressed upon fledgling musicians in underground circles of L.A. and other urban blights.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
The more interested you are in seeing Beck, Orton and others -- including the late jazz luminary Billy Higgins -- outside the context of music videos, the more rewarding you'll find it.
Phil Hall, Film Threat
Pleasantly diverting no-budget comedy with fun cameo appearances.