For more than two decades, Robert Carlyle has been a familiar face in projects on both sides of the ocean, becoming one of the most reliable players on TV and in the movies. Of course, he’s likely best known for playing the deliciously deranged Begbie in “Trainspotting,” but roles in “28 Weeks Later,” “The Full Monty,” “Angela’s Ashes” and more have solidified him as a true talent. And while it’s not often that we seem him in a lead role, when the opportunity arises it’s likely one worth checking out, and you’ll get a chance soon with “California Solo.”
Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, the film from writer/director Marshall Lewy (“Blue State“) finds Carlyle playing a former Britpop rocker living in the United States, who finds himself facing deportation. We’ve got the exclusive poster for the movie, which you can check out below, but first here’s the full synopsis for the picture:
LACHLAN MacALDONICH (Robert Carlyle) is former Britpop rocker who has settled into a comfortably numb existence in farm country just outside Los Angeles. By day, he works on an organic farm and travels regularly to the city’s farmers’ markets to sell produce. By night, he retreats to his crummy apartment to record “Flame-Outs,” his podcast that recounts the tragic deaths of great musicians. The only spark in his humdrum existence is BEAU (Alexia Rasmussen), a lovely struggling actress and amateur chef who frequents the Silver Lake farmers’ market.
One night, Lachlan gets pulled over for a DUI, a charge that dredges up his past drug offense and threatens him with deportation. Lachlan’s only hope of staying in the U.S. is proving that his removal would cause “extreme hardship” to a U.S. citizen spouse or relative. Lachlan contacts his estranged ex-wife and daughter, raising past demons that he must finally confront.
CALIFORNIA SOLO is a touching, human story about post-fame life and personal redemption.
“California Solo” will hit New York and Los Angeles on November 30th courtesy of Strand Releasing, with more cities and dates to follow.
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