Local Legends

Local Legends is a unique independent comedy-drama film released in 2013 that uniquely explores life, passions, and dreams through the lens of an unconventional artist. The film is an intriguing mix of drama, comedy, and musical elements, providing an amusing and thought-provoking view of the trials and tribulations associated with pursuing creative careers. It's a work of semi-autobiographical fiction that follows the life of Matt Farley, who also happens to be the writer, director, and the leading actor of this film, blurring the boundaries between reality and fiction.

The story unfolds in the small town of Manchester, New Hampshire, where Farley is having a challenging time juggling between his passion for music, an intense songwriting routine, and a modest life as a care home worker. He has generated a vast catalogue of songs numbering in the tens of thousands, most of which are charming and endearingly unusual tunes about everything and anything that crosses his mind. Despite his prodigious output, Farley is hardly close to being famous and represents the epitome of a low-profile, under-the-radar artist.

Farley plays a fictionalized version of himself in the film and presents a semi-fictionalized account of his life 'behind-the-scenes.' The movie provides a unique depiction of an independent artist's journey and is filled to the brim with eccentricity. As an artist, Farley doesn't simply create music; his songs tell stories, and the film gives audiences a backstage pass to understand the motivation behind his peculiar creations.

The film also stars Elizabeth M. Peterson as Abby, Farley's love interest, and real-life best friend, and Sharon Scalzo as his primary collaborator. Elizabeth's character is as nuanced as the film itself, never devolving into the mere love interest but having a personality and story of her own. Sharon Scalzo, his longtime friend, and creative partner helps establish the camaraderie that drives the movie's narrative. These layered, real-life relationships bring authenticity to the movie and heighten the overall viewing experience.

What sets Local Legends apart from other films dealing with the struggle of artists is how it delves into the nitty-gritty of Farley's creative process. The audiences get to be a part of his songwriting routine as he pens tune after tune, often about the most ordinary of things. His music, though not typical, is deeply personal, sometimes comical, often introspective, and always strikingly unique. His process acts as a reminder that creativity need not conform to mainstream traditions or public acceptance. As a character, Farley is not seen chasing fame in the traditional sense, he is simply in love with the act of creation.

However, it does not shy away from showcasing the hardship associated with such a path. From constantly explaining his passions to puzzled listeners, coming to terms with a seeming lack of societal acceptance and battling self-doubt, the film exposes the trials of following a non-traditional career path. Farley's journey is a testament to resilience, portraying life's encounters with losses, rejections, and hardships as a series of events that shape his work as an artist.

Local Legends is deceptively simple, using a mockumentary style to candidly capture the mundane yet unique journey of an artist sticking to his passion against societal norms. It introduces viewers to a quirky universe guided by the unpredictable whims of a musical artist and offers unexpected laughs and song-filled moments along the way.

Local Legends challenges prevailing notions of 'success' in the music industry and constructs a narrative of local music's compelling journey, a touching tribute to the independent artists out there, striving each day, not for fame, but for the sheer joy of creating.

In essence, Local Legends is a wry and heartfelt ode to the underappreciated artist. It's an adventure through the life of a musical legend in his local town—an exploration of the extraordinary in the ordinary. While it's the story of Matt Farley, it resonates universally, celebrating the power of individuality, the creative spirit, and the joys of creating rather than the results of that creation.