Stroszek (1977)

User Rating:

8.1/10   

Director:

Werner Herzog

Writer:

Werner Herzog (writer)

Release Date:

12 January 1977 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

In Berlin, an alcoholic man, recently released from prison, joins his elderly friend and a prostitute in a determined dream to leave Germany and seek a better life in Wisconsin.

Plot Keywords:

Wisconsin | Germany | Prostitute | Alcoholic | Pimp

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Bruno S.	...	Der Bruno Stroszek
Eva Mattes	...	Eva
Clemens Scheitz	...	Scheitz
Wilhelm von Homburg	...	Souteneur
Burkhard Driest	...	Souteneur
Clayton Szalpinski	...	Mechanic
Ely Rodriguez	...	Indian mechanic's helper
Alfred Edel	...	Jail headmaster
Scott McKain	...	Scott
Ralph Wade	...	Auctioneer
Michael Gahr	...	Prisoner Hoss
Vaclav Vojta	...	Doctor
Yuecsel Topcuguerler	...	Turk prisoner
Pit Bedewitz	...	Souteneur
Bob Evans	...	Bob Evans

Runtime:

115 min

Country:

West Germany

Language:

English | German

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Canada:G (Québec) | Canada:R (Ontario) | Finland:K-12 | Sweden:15 | West Germany:12 | UK:15 (video rating) (1991) | UK:AA (original rating)

Filming Locations:

Berlin, Germany

Company:

Skellig Edition

Trivia:

The scene of the man pulling his own tooth is based on a similar scene in Spend It All (1972), adapted with the permission of Les Blank (misspelled in the credits as "Les Blanc").

Quotes:

Eva: No-one kicks you here Bruno.
Der Bruno Stroszek: Not physically, here they do it spiritually.

Movie Connections:

Featured in Control (2007)

About Infant Gymnastics....and then some.

Admittedly, I was hooked from start go by Werner Herzog's Stroszek. This film's weird and unpredictable rhythm intoxicated me. From its arresting images (reflections from a hanging glass bottle) to the hypnotic sounds (Chet Atkins' guitar strumming languidly along a highway), these cinematic hallmarks of the great Werner Herzog flooded Stroszek mysteriously, unobtrusively and most of all, very lovingly.

Strange enough, the kitschy surreality of this film's music (a good example will be that iced lake radar search sequence) reminds me strongly of those 70's Classic Taiwanese "Beach" Dramas. You know, the kind where a pair of arms-outstretched love birds would run in slomo towards each other via opposite ends of a sandy seashore? I know, the cultural reference may be lost to non-Chinese readers and I apologise. But yes, this flick stirs and stimulates my free associative imagination with wild and insane glee. I kid you not, people. I kid you not.

However, major credits need be given to the lucidity and forceful presence of one Bruno S.

Sample below quote.

The Bruno to Eva: "And now comes the question. All my friends waited for me, but this is my best friend....my "Black Friend"(a piano). What's going to happen to my friend when Bruno goes dead someday? Where are these things and these instruments going to end up? What's going to happen to them. Someone must answer this for me." (And then, they just stared at each other, throughout and after.....)

Above affecting sequence punctuated the bittersweet vulnerability of one Bruno S. As a simple, slightly challenged man-child, Bruno had very limited human relationships all his life. As such, he guilelessly transfers his genuine feelings onto "placebo" objects. But despite of his checkered past (years of physical abuse and institutional upbringing), this socially inadequate man ably exudes generosity, kindness and unguarded honesty. Given half a chance, he will just as likely shower his unconditional love onto those whom he cares for, namely Eva. (As was shown in one scene set to the haunting tinkles of Moonlight Sonata). All in, Bruno is thus an exceptionally good man. But will there yet be more to this Bruno than meet the eyes? I dunno....

Throughout this film, I am captivated by Bruno's earnest glow; so refreshingly tender and devoid of artifice. In reaction to his search for meaning in life, love and other myriad mysteries (like "birds confiscators" or "speed-talking" men - don't ask.), Bruno's expressive face never lies. I felt immensely privileged to share in his bliss (or despair) at any given points in time. This fascinating creature tugged at my strings more often in this movie than the combined twitches of so many affected actors out there. I friggin' love this charming dude and hence, I cannot help but root for the guy. You go, Bruno!

Like the best of Herzog's works, Stroszek boasts of many scratch head-worthy moments. (Especially considering my having seen the Enigma of "Heart of Glass".) But these pecularities only serve to propel my viewing experience into mystical realms. For buried within its seemingly artful surfaces, lies aching balms of "cinematic capsules". They will randomly burst and engulf the inclined and willing. They will seep into one's consciousness and never let you go. I hence don't think I can ever erase the wonderous memories of those stolen moments already, from "Peddling Sabine" to "Infant Gymnastics", from "Not 4, but 5" to "$32". Most infamously, how can I not mention that "Dancing Chicken"? Brilliant!

At this point, I will like to urge all to venture forth into Herzog's film universe. For if you're willing, or foolhardy enough to take that plunge, you may yet discover a film like Stroszek to be ceaselessly beautiful and effortlessly moving.