AMERICAN DREAM BRINGS DEATH ON THE STREETS

The American Dream is still well and alive today. Despite the country having President Donald Trump and being the epicentre of a pandemic, the US always manages to get up and walk tall. As a nation, they always been kicked while they are down but are a deadly force when they are together. Within those ebbs and flows, there are many little stories from little towns all across America. These stories are about “living the American dream” which unveils the truth and lifts with hope. The American Dream is much different now which has much newer heights but at the same time newer lows.

European director Johan Carlsen focuses on the Midwest life in America. It is his take from outside of the country. In his film Death on the Streets, he focuses on little stories that he heard when he was couch surfing. Adapting those stories, he sets up the film with the main character Kurt played by Zack Mulligan.

Kurt is a farmer who has been unemployed and trying to figure out what his next moves are. Having a wife and two boys makes things challenging as he must find ways to provide for his family. His immediate family and community are willing to help with money in hopes he will be able to get by in the trough that he is in. But Kurt refuses to accept any form of handouts as he does not want to be indebted to anyone. This is a rough patch that he feels that he needs to get out himself. Kurt has too much pride to accept a helping hand.

When Kurt accepts a role as an administrative assistant for an insurance agency things go awry for him. The interview does not go well and it is far from his expectations. This is where Kurt decides to leave his family and his home. He leaves everything behind to go on an existential journey to find himself and his footing. He becomes homeless and accepts a job on a construction site. Kurt accepts meals at mission homes and breaks bread with those who are in a predicament just like him. His family has no idea where he is but he lets fate take over whether it is good or bad.

Death on the Streets is a film that shows the dangers of the American Dream. The life of a midwestern farmer is shaky due to the industry being plagued with corporate ruin. This film shows the vulnerability of the lives who rely on these jobs. Consequently, into a rabbit hole where their souls are tormented and suffocating on their pride. Where there is not much to live for it is easy for men to lose their motivation to exist. This is why we should never question the homeless. Just like mental health, it is not something that we can pass judgement on for something that we don’t understand. As a result, we are unable to empathize.