The cast is a surprising "who's who" of talent that would go on to even bigger things:
The movie unfolds over a single 24-hour period, following a group of young "hopefuls" as their lives intersect on the legendary 1.6-mile stretch of Sunset Boulevard. Unlike the massive rock legends we usually see on screen, these are the "people in the backrooms"—the photographers, designers, and opening acts still waiting for their big break. The Faces of the Strip Sunset Strip (2000)
as Zach, a novice guitarist convinced he is the successor to Jimi Hendrix. The cast is a surprising "who's who" of
as Felix, a morose, alcoholic songwriter struggling with his demons. Soundtrack & Style as Felix, a morose, alcoholic songwriter struggling with
as Tammy, a costume designer with a shop near the Whisky a Go Go. Jared Leto as Glen Walker, an up-and-coming country rocker.
Whether you're in it for the vintage fashions or the chance to see a young Jared Leto and Simon Baker before they were household names, Sunset Strip remains a fascinating look at the "guys in the trenches" of the rock 'n' roll dream. Sunset Strip (2000)
While it received a very limited release and mixed reviews upon its debut in 2000, Sunset Strip has found life as a cult favorite for those who appreciate its "snapshot" quality. Critics at the time noted its "funky charms" and praised it as an "amiable film" that avoids some of the heavier issues of the '70s to focus on the raw, often messy pursuit of fame.