Local Legends

In the quirky, offbeat world of *Local Legends* (2013), we meet Matt Farley, a prolific Manchester, New Hampshire-based creative who operates as a one-man "songwriting machine." By day—or rather, by night—Matt works at a retirement home, using the quiet hours to fuel his relentless pursuit of artistic output. Under a dizzying array of monikers like The Toilet Bowl Cleaners and Papa Razzi and the Photogs, he crafts novelty songs targeting niche internet search terms to generate modest royalty income, all while collaborating with his friend Tom Scalzo on low-budget, "backyard-style" comedy-horror films. The film explores the tension between Matt’s artistic ambitions and his quest for commercial success and validation. While his novelty projects gain minor traction, Matt remains frustrated by the lack of recognition for his "serious" musical work. His personal life is equally complex, marked by the manipulative presence of Abby, who inserts herself into his world during her own turbulent relationship, and the arrival of Genevieve, a woman whose genuine appreciation for his craft and specific tastes offer a potential turning point. As Matt navigates the awkward realities of being a "low-level entertainer"—from managing unsolicited advice to guerrilla marketing tactics—he must decide how to reconcile his identity as a niche artist with his desire for a fulfilling life.