Stroszek

1977 Director Werner Herzog

This is Herzog's most poignant film, and sadly, Bruno Schleinstein's last film. Written specially for Bruno because of Herzog's preference of Kinski in the lead role of Woyzeck, this is a wry vision of the "B" side of the American dream.

Bruno Schleinstein plays a dysfunctional street busker who, having just been released from prison, finds it difficult to pick up a life outside. Having been attacked and humiliated by his girlfriend's pimp they decide to throw in their lot and emigrate with their elderly neighbour to Wyoming, USA. The great American dream soon turns to disillusionment and despair.

This is a keenly observed study of the American way of life with all its anachronisms and has one of the most surreal endings of any film ever made.