Wim Wenders: Desperado

Sparkles and downsides of thirty-somethings looking for success in L.A. Cassio La Greca moved from Brazil to the U.S.A. at 18 to become a Hollywood movie star, but his dream soon turns into a full time job as a restaurant server. Now he's 38, he has been a server the whole time and has barely scored some minor gigs; his agent is not responsive any more, and his life collapses when his girlfriend leaves him, letting the guy fall in depression. His friend Mitch Tello helps him get out of the cave and the first time they go out, they run into Grace Jackson; a free spirit that rocks into Cassio's life. Mitch pranks Cassio and sets him up for a dinner date with Grace, and when the date is on its way to fail, a caipirinha drink is the sparkle of energy that links the two guys. The girl's different attitude and approach encourage Cassio to face the agent, finally score a commercial and get back on track. They fall in love in Big Bear, where they are for a supposed audition. Passion turns sour and finally hate, bringing Cassio back to his starting point when he breaks-up with her, fights with a casting director, his agent and Mitch. He's again isolated, but this time he will know what to do to find real redemption and success. —Emanuele Pica