Taxi Blues

Ivan is old Russia thick dour hardworking often brutish he misses Communism He drives a taxi and one night meets Alexi a new Russian a musician an alcoholic irresponsible Alexi stiffs Ivan for the fare so Ivan tracks him down and a lovehate relationship ensues When Alexi lets the bath water run over in Ivans flat and Ivan must pay 500 rubles for repairs he tries to force Alexi into day labor to repay him Its hopeless Then suddenly Alexi is discovered goes on a jazz tour of America becomes a celebrity and returns in triumph Ivan longs to renew the friendship and it looks as if he may get what he wants