Highway 40 West
Synopsis
"Highway 40 West" (1980/81) is the first of a series of documentaries by Hartmut Bitomsky (born 1942 in Bremen) which brought him international fame. Each of these films is dedicated to both, a specific and title-giving object and its historical-critical analysis. Such as in "Highway 40 West": For a time span of 169 minutes, the film shows Bitomsky’s emblematic US-road trip with a rented car on the eponymous road number 40, crossing the country from East to West. From early travel routes of the "Native Americans" to the trails of early colonizers, this street is loaded with American history - and with the present ruins of the American dream, which Bitomsky indulgingly captures on film. He himself appears as actor/author, conducting innumerable interviews, shooting the landscape, the diners and hotels - and his sonorous narrator’s voice reviews what is seen, and tries to understand and make it understandable.
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Hartmut Bitomsky
- Screenplay & Story
- Hartmut Bitomsky
- Original Title
- Highway 40 West
- Spoken Languages
- English, German
- Runtime
- 2h 50m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Hartmut Bitomsky
Hartmut Bitomsky
Department Leadership Roster
Hartmut Bitomsky
Writer
Hartmut Bitomsky
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Highway 40 West.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Highway 40 West
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Highway 40 West about?
"Highway 40 West" (1980/81) is the first of a series of documentaries by Hartmut Bitomsky (born 1942 in Bremen) which brought him international fame. Each of these films is dedicated to both, a specific and title-giving object and its historical-critical analysis. Such as in "Highway 40 West": For a time span of 169 minutes, the film shows Bitomsky’s emblematic US-road trip with a rented car on the eponymous road number 40, crossing the country from East to West. From early travel routes of the "Native Americans" to the trails of early colonizers, this street is loaded with American history - and with the present ruins of the American dream, which Bitomsky indulgingly captures on film. He himself appears as actor/author, conducting innumerable interviews, shooting the landscape, the diners and hotels - and his sonorous narrator’s voice reviews what is seen, and tries to understand and make it understandable.
Who directed Highway 40 West?
Highway 40 West was directed by Hartmut Bitomsky.
Who stars in Highway 40 West?
The principal cast of Highway 40 West includes Not specified.
When was Highway 40 West released and how long is it?
Highway 40 West was released in 1981 with a total runtime of 2h 50m.