Southland Tales

Southland Tales
Theatrical poster
Directed byRichard Kelly
Written byRichard Kelly
Produced by
Starring
CinematographySteven Poster
Edited bySam Bauer
Music byMoby
Production
companies
Distributed by
Release dates
  • May 21, 2006 (2006-05-21) (Cannes)
  • November 14, 2007 (2007-11-14) (United States)
Running time
144 minutes
Countries
  • United States
  • Germany
LanguageEnglish
Budget$17 million
Box office$374,743

Southland Tales is a 2006 dystopian black comedy thriller film written and directed by Richard Kelly. It features an ensemble cast that includes Dwayne Johnson, Seann William Scott, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Mandy Moore, and Justin Timberlake. An international co-production of the United States and Germany, the film is set in the then-near future of 2008, and is a portrait of Los Angeles, as well as a satiric commentary on the military–industrial complex and the infotainment industry. The title refers to the Southland, a name used by locals to refer to the Greater Los Angeles area. Original music was provided by Moby.

Southland Tales premiered at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival, and was released theatrically in the United States on November 14, 2007. The film polarised critics, who responded unfavourably to its running time and sprawling nature in spite of its "intriguing vision", and only made $374,743 during its international theatrical run. It has developed a cult following in subsequent years. Kelly has expressed interest in expanding the film into a franchise.