Running On Empty

He knew it would take a long time – but this long? Insurance salesman Burkhard Wagner left his family promising them a better life on his return. All he has to do is sell enough policies. But time drags on and Burkhard turns into the Flying Dutchman of Germany’s motorways. His contact with his family now boils down to him leaving the odd report on the answering machine. Nevertheless, Burkhard sticks resolutely to his plan. But then, shortly before he has sold all his policies, he runs out of steam – mentally and spiritually. He meets luckless Carolin at a motorway service station. Business at Carolin’s small hotel by the motorway has been in the doldrums for years but here, after years of restless perigrinating, Burkhard at last finds a bit of peace and happiness. The pair share a love of French chansons and are both lonely – in spite of being together.But somebody like Burkhard isn’t the type who sticks around. Carolin seems to realise this more than anyone. And this is why she accompanies him, like a guardian angel, on his last and most difficult journey – back to real life.
Cast
Jens Harzer
Marina Galic
Anna Maria Mühe
Christian Blümel
Hussi Kutlucan
Tom Jahn
Mehdi Nebbou
Credits
Script: Bülent Akinci
Camera: Henner Besuch
Editing: Inge Schneider, Tina Baz
Producer: Roman Paul, Gerhard Meixner
Sound: Patrick Veigel
Music: Wim Mertens
DirectorRegie: Bülent Akinci
GenreGattung: fictional
Production CountryProduktionsland: Germany
Production CompanyProduktionsfirma: Deutsche Film- und Fernsehakademie Berlin ZDF - Das kleine Fernsehspiel Razor Film
ProductionProduktion: 2006
Recording FormatDrehformat: S16mm
Screening FormatVorführformat: 1:1,85
Frame RateBildgeschwindigkeit: 25 fps
Aspect RatioSeitenverhältnis: 1:1,85
Sound FormatTonformat: Dolby Stereo
LanguageSprache: German
FassungFassung: OV
Running TimeLaufzeit: 93