This film provides Americans the opportunity to see what the USA looks like through a foreigner's eyes. It's no picnic, according to Herzog. Even more, the title characteris played by Bruno S., a certified schizophrenic that Herzog befriended. His acting style is nothing of the kind and adds a sense of honest bewilderment to the roles he has played. This story is the antithesis of the Horation Alger "American Dream" story. It is bizarre and moving in spite of itself. Herzog hits upon one of the greatest endings to any film attempting to sum up the character of the US: it takes place at a roadside carnival of sorts, that features the antics of trained animals, who dance and play the piano on command (not nearly as impressive as it sounds, just like America).
