I Love L.A.

In Bradford, England, the undertaker Richard (David Tennant) meets the American aspirant actress and waiter Barbara (Vinessa Shaw) and they spend some time together. Richard love movies, his great idol is Johnny Depp and he likes to write novels and obituaries. His girlfriend Joy (Saskia Reeves) is the daughter of a wealthy man. Barbara returns to Los Angeles, and Richard decides to look for her, without having her address. He finds her and decides to stay in Los Angeles, becoming friend of Moss (Vincent Gallo) and Julie (Julie Delpy). While working cleaning swimming-pools with Moss, Richard tries to become a writer and has to fight for the love of Barbara against the young and arrogant director Patterson (Cameron Bancroft), who wants only to have sex with her. 'Los Angeles Without a Map' is a lovely and delightful cult-movie, with the participation of many well-known persons. A highly recommended entertainment, having many funny situations. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): 'Absolutamente Los Angeles' ('Absolutely Los Angeles')

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.

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)

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.

Richard (David Tennant) is a Scottish undertaker who dreams of being a screenwriter. To his amazement, the woman of his casting dreams, aspiring actress Barbara (Vinessa Shaw) meets him unexpectedly as a tourist in his native land. She is flattered by Richard's immediate attentions and the two spark up a friendship until its time for Barbara to go home. End of story? Not quite. Richard decides to take an extended vacation and travel to Los Angeles in search of his true love. After all, maybe his yearning to make it as a screenwriter will be better realized in Hollywood, too. His initial landing in the city is humorous as he goes to the bad part of town and is the target of scorn by the tough guys. Yet, a man rescues him, takes him to a vacant apartment and gets him a job as a pool boy. Now, Rich must make an entrance at the fancy restaurant where Barb works and see if she missed him. It's a surprise and surreal reunion. There are also complications as Barbara has a boyfriend with many connections in the movie business. How can she dump her current beau for Richard, when she is just about to "make it" in Tinseltown? Can she get good advice from Julie (Julie Delpy) , a zany co-worker at the eatery? This sweet film is definitely enhanced by Tennant's winning ways and handsome face. He is a charmer and quite funny. Shaw is beautiful indeed but somewhat of a cold fish. Delpy has her moments while, most importantly, Johnny Depp makes a cameo that is side-splitting. The scenery, costumes, script and direction are all above average. For romcom fans, like me, there is always an endless pursuit to find hidden gems like this movie of 25 years ago.