Southlander: Diary of a Desperate Musician Poster

Southlander: Diary of a Desperate Musician 2001

★ 4.02 votes83 min📅 2001-03-21

Set against the neon-soaked backdrop of early-2000s Los Angeles, "Southlander: Diary of a Desperate Musician" (2001) follows Chance, a struggling musician whose quest for a legendary Moletron synthesizer becomes a surreal odyssey through the city's underground music scene.

Director: Steve Hanft

Cast

Rory Cochrane
Rory Cochrane
Chance
Rossie Harris
Rossangeles / Bek’s Jam Double Axe
Beth Orton
Beth Orton
Rocket
Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs
Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs
Motherchild
Richard Edson
Richard Edson
Thomas
Meghan Gallagher
Snowbunny
Beck
Beck
Bek
Gregg Henry
Gregg Henry
Lane Windbird
Kurt Lilly
Steely Danzig
Pat Mathews
Chuckles Martin

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Southlander: Diary of a Desperate Musician (2001) about?

The film follows Chance, a struggling Los Angeles musician on a mission to track down the elusive Moletron synthesizer through cryptic classified ads in the "Southlander" newspaper. Along the way, he encounters a host of intriguing characters, each shaping his unpredictable journey through the city's underground music scene.

Who directed Southlander: Diary of a Desperate Musician?

Steve Hanft directed this indie drama, lending his distinctive style to the film's gritty, atmospheric portrayal of LA's music culture.

Who stars in Southlander: Diary of a Desperate Musician?

Rory Cochrane, Rossie Harris, Beth Orton, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, and Richard Edson lead the cast, each bringing depth to this offbeat musical odyssey.

Is Southlander: Diary of a Desperate Musician (2001) worth watching?

Though unrated, this indie gem offers a unique snapshot of early-2000s LA music culture, blending drama and mystery with a raw, authentic energy. Fans of character-driven indie films or synth-heavy soundtracks will likely find it a rewarding watch.

How long is Southlander: Diary of a Desperate Musician?

The film runs for 83 minutes.

Southlander: Diary of a Desperate Musician (2001) — A synth-chasing odyssey through early-2000s LA

Set against the neon-soaked backdrop of early-2000s Los Angeles, "Southlander: Diary of a Desperate Musician" (2001) follows Chance, a struggling musician whose quest for a legendary Moletron synthesizer becomes a surreal odyssey through the city's underground music scene. Directed by Steve Hanft, this indie drama weaves together mystery and history as Chance navigates classified ads in the enigmatic "Southlander" newspaper, crossing paths with a colorful cast of characters—from eccentric musicians to streetwise locals—each hiding their own secrets. The film captures the raw desperation and fleeting hope of artists chasing their dreams, all set to a gritty, atmospheric soundtrack that mirrors the city's restless energy.

With its blend of drama and mystery, "Southlander" paints a vivid portrait of a bygone era in LA's music culture, where ambition clashes with reality and every encounter could be a step closer—or further—from destiny. The 83-minute runtime flies by in a haze of synth-heavy nights and sun-drenched afternoons, leaving viewers as captivated by the journey as by its offbeat charm.