Inhaltsverzeichnis

Blueprint of ‚Blue Collar – Kampf am Fliessband‘

‚Blue Collar – Kampf am Fliessband‘ is a gritty drama that narrates the tale of three car assembly workers in Detroit, who inadvertently get embroiled in the criminal underworld, a result of their desperate attempts to liberate themselves from the shackles of life at the bottom rung of the societal ladder. Their struggle for survival and dignity in the face of adversity is the central theme of this 1978 film.

Film Synopsis

Zeke Brown, Jerry Bartowski, and Smokey James are three auto factory workers from a Detroit car manufacturing plant. Disgruntled by the scant wages and poor working conditions, they conspire and successfully rob a safe at their union’s headquarters, hoping to expose its corruption. However, they find only petty cash, their dreams of exposing the union’s corruption and securing financial freedom shattered. A ledger they find in the safe draws them into the quagmire of union corruption and organised crime, forcing them to navigate perilous waters. The film effectively mirrors the struggles faced by blue-collar workers worldwide.

Review of ‚Blue Collar – Kampf am Fliessband‘

Director Paul Schrader, more known for his writing credits, including the groundbreaking ‚Taxi Driver‘, excels in his directorial debut. The film’s vivid, dramatic scenes complemented by impactful performances by the trio, particularly Richard Pryor as Zeke, take the audience on an emotional rollercoaster. The film’s raw representation of the struggles of working-class America, strained friendships and shattered dreams, combined with a touch of dark humour is commendable.

The cinematographer, Bob Fosse, succeeds in capturing the grim reality of blue-collar Detroit. The film’s soundtrack, composed by the legendary Jack Nitzsche, sets the right mood with its soulful and emotional melodies.

The film, while not commercially successful at the time of its release, has since gained a cult following, primarily due to its realistic portrayal of societal issues and memorable performances. This film is an unvarnished exploration of the human condition in a society that places the value of money over the value of human life.