Richard (played by David Tennant) is a protagonist in L.A. Without a Map.
Protagonist and 22-year-old Scottish undertaker turned aspiring screenwriter. He impulsively travels from Bradford to Los Angeles to pursue Barbara. Struggles with low-paying jobs, intense jealousy, and a failed chloroform incident, ultimately returning home where his career and romance are successfully revitalized. Julie (played by Julie Delpy) is a protagonist in L.A. Without a Map.
Barbara's waitress colleague at a Japanese restaurant. She befriends Richard at a nightclub and later informs him that Barbara no longer wishes to see him, acting as a narrative bridge during Richard's LA struggles. Barbara (played by Vinessa Shaw) appears in L.A. Without a Map.
An aspiring Hollywood actress and waitress. She initially meets Richard in Bradford, dates him in LA, and leaves him due to his jealousy over her work relationship with director Patterson. She ultimately reconciles with him upon realizing his insights about Patterson were correct. Moss (played by Vincent Gallo) appears in L.A. Without a Map.
A musician in the Leningrad Cowboys band who befriends Richard in LA. He helps Richard secure housing, introduces him to Julie, and later assists in getting Richard released from prison, serving as a supportive companion throughout Richard's journey.
L.A. Without a Map (1999) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Richard
(played by David Tennant) — protagonist
Protagonist and 22-year-old Scottish undertaker turned aspiring screenwriter. He impulsively travels from Bradford to Los Angeles to pursue Barbara. Struggles with low-paying jobs, intense jealousy, a...
Julie
(played by Julie Delpy) — protagonist
Barbara's waitress colleague at a Japanese restaurant. She befriends Richard at a nightclub and later informs him that Barbara no longer wishes to see him, acting as a narrative bridge during Richard'...
Barbara
(played by Vinessa Shaw) — supporting
An aspiring Hollywood actress and waitress. She initially meets Richard in Bradford, dates him in LA, and leaves him due to his jealousy over her work relationship with director Patterson. She ultimat...
Moss
(played by Vincent Gallo) — supporting
A musician in the Leningrad Cowboys band who befriends Richard in LA. He helps Richard secure housing, introduces him to Julie, and later assists in getting Richard released from prison, serving as a...
Key Relationships
Richard → Julie
(Social Acquaintances)
Barbara → Julie
(Professional Colleagues)
Moss → Julie
(Romantic Lovers)
Richard → Moss
(Social Friends)
Richard → Barbara
(Romantic Lovers)
Story Analysis
A young Scottish undertaker's impulsive journey to Los Angeles to pursue a romantic interest, exploring themes of ambition, jealousy, and self-discovery.
Plot Progression
The Bradford Spark
LA Dreams and Detours
Jealousy and Fracture
Confrontation and Return
Directed by Mika Kaurismäki
L.A. Without a Map (1999) · 5.9/10 · comedy, drama, romance
