When I Am Dead and White 1967

Departure from the seasonal work with Ljilja

Jimmy and his girlfriend Ljilja are forced to leave their temporary job as seasonal workers. They set out into an uncertain future with little money and few prospects, while his mother cannot help them and there are no jobs in factories or companies. This moment marks the start of their wandering and precarious life on the road.

Jimmy steals to make money

With no steady income, Jimmy steals from workers at a construction site to make some cash. He soon finds himself fleeing pursuers, realizing that his risk-taking has pulled Ljilja into danger as well. The theft exposes his willingness to bend the rules to survive.

Ljilja is lost during the chase

During the escape from the pursuers, Jimmy loses Ljilja in the confusion and is separated from his partner. He continues the journey alone, driven by the need to survive and find some opportunity. The separation marks the true start of his odyssey.

Meeting Duška, bar singer, and learning to sing

Jimmy meets the bar singer Duška and becomes her lover. He starts learning to sing and subscribes to performing tricks despite his limited talent. This encounter opens a path to make money through performances in towns and fairs.

Life on the road: singing in towns, fairs, and garrisons

He travels through small towns, performs at fairs, and entertains in remote military garrisons. He keeps performing despite mixed reception, using his songs to earn a living and to dream bigger. This period shows both ambition and vulnerability as he navigates fame's thin line.

Meeting Bojana and planning a competition trip

In a small town, Jimmy meets Bojana, a dental technician who becomes his ally. They decide to go to Belgrade to compete in a young singers' competition, seeking legitimacy and recognition. The partnership gives him a glimmer of a breakthrough.

Belgrade competition: boos instead of applause

They travel to Belgrade for the competition, but the crowd boos and insults him instead of applauding. The humiliation forces Jimmy to retreat from the stage and re-evaluate his path. The harsh reception reveals how far he still is from real stardom.

Reunion with Ljilja on a ship

On a ship, Jimmy runs into Ljilja again, who survives by pickpocketing and feigning pregnancy. The reunion brings back painful memories and a revived, if unstable, partnership. They continue to navigate their respective schemes as they travel.

Blackmail plan against Milutin

Ljilja and Jimmy travel to Milutin, the former construction site manager, to blackmail him with the claim that he is the father of Ljilja's unborn child. Milutin's anxiety and pride trigger a tense confrontation, underscoring the danger they face. The plan exposes the fragility of their criminal ruses.

Milutin discovers deception

Milutin realizes the deception and refuses to be manipulated, escalating the conflict. He confronts Jimmy and Ljilja, setting the stage for a dangerous confrontation. The power dynamic shifts as his anger tightens around the pair.

Milutin attacks; Jimmy intervenes

Milutin attempts to assault Ljilja, but Jimmy steps in to defend her. The intervention shows Jimmy's protective loyalty and willingness to confront violence. The confrontation escalates into a direct threat to both men.