Crane World

Rulo, a middle-aged ex-bass player, struggles to make ends meet in Buenos Aires during the Great Depression. He applies for a crane operator job at a nearby construction firm and greets the quiet routine as a rare source of calm after years in the spotlight. He forg es new bonds with Torres, begins a romance with Adriana, and often reminisces about his glory days with former bandmates, even as he worries about his future and Claudio’s path.

On what is supposed to be his first day of work, Rulo discovers another coworker operating the crane. He takes the matter up with his supervisor, who reveals that he was dismissed on the insurer's recommendation due to his health risks. The setback leaves him unemployed again and raises the stakes of his future in construction.

Rulo's romance with Adriana, the sandwich shop owner, begins to deepen, giving him emotional support amid hardship. The relationship offers a glimpse of stability and warmth as his job prospects falter. It becomes a personal lifeline that ties him to Buenos Aires life.

Rulo confronts Claudio about his reckless, meandering lifestyle and late-night arrivals. He lends money and even lets Claudio borrow his old bass for a show, but Claudio's habits continue to frustrate him. Meanwhile Rulo's mother grows weary of the clutter and chaos at home.

As consolation for being fired, Torres suggests a new job in southern Argentina as an excavator. Rulo weighs his health and the risks, but accepts the offer, promising Adriana he will visit and call regularly. The move marks a shift from city life to a grittier rural-industrial environment.

Rulo travels by train and hitchhiking to the south and quickly befriends his new superior, Sartori. The firm itself is financially marginal, with workers missing meals and Sartori's house lacking basic running water. The shared hardship forges a bond between Rulo and Sartori.

Rulo's crane training proves transferable to excavation, and he begins making progress on a pipeline project. His practical know-how earns him respect despite the tough conditions and sparse resources. He experiences a renewed sense of purpose amid the hardship.

Financial trouble overtakes the firm, and food becomes scarce for the workers. The pipeline project remains unfinished when the company declares bankruptcy, leaving Rulo and his colleagues uncertain about their futures. The collapse underscores how fragile opportunities can be in despairing times.

Facing an uncertain future, Rulo decides to return to Buenos Aires. He calls his mother to ease Claudio's worries, lying that everything is going well, while privately confessing the downturn to Claudio. The confrontation tests their relationship and his resolve to rebuild.

Rulo parts ways with Sartori and boards a truck back toward Buenos Aires, carrying both scars and new experience. He feels anxious about what lies ahead but is determined to start anew and keep connections alive, especially with Adriana. The journey marks a personal turning point as he leaves the south behind.

Back in Buenos Aires, his mother and Claudio become focal points of his efforts to rebuild. Claudio's ambitions and quirks challenge Rulo’s patience, but his generosity has also shaped their expectations. The family dynamic reflects the broader struggle to adapt after the fall from fame.

Despite the setback, Rulo holds onto Adriana’s support and the skills he has gained, hoping for a new opportunity to rebuild a stable life. He vows to visit Adriana and stay connected as he searches for a chance to rise again. The film closes on a note of cautious resilience.