Blue Collar

Whatever Became of the "American Dream"?

When Detroit auto workers Jerry (Harry Keitel), Smokey (Yaphet Kotto) and Zeke (Richard Pryor in a rare and brilliant dramatic performance) find bills piling up and pressures bearing down, they decide to rob their corrupt union office. In a cruel twist, their small haul becomes a nightmare when the heist goes horribly wrong and their once loyal friendship turns to fear, betrayal and murder.

Writer/Director Paul Schrader showcases the dark side of the American working class, creating a brutal vision of the low wage and huge debt that traps workers between big industry and big labor.