Dead Man

The 1995 American psychedelic Western film directed by Jim Jarmusch follows William Blake (Johnny Depp), a meek accountant from Cleveland who travels to the frontier town of Machine seeking employment. Upon arrival, he discovers the job has been filled, and after a series of tragic events, he becomes a fugitive, mortally wounded. He is found by a Native American named Nobody (Gary Farmer), who believes Blake is the reincarnation of the English poet William Blake. Nobody becomes his spiritual guide, assisting him on a journey filled with encounters with colorful characters, including bounty hunters Cole Wilson (Lance Henriksen), Conway Twill (Michael Wincott), and Johnny "The Kid" Pickett (Eugene Byrd), as well as eccentric traders like Sally Jenko (Iggy Pop) and Benmont Tench (Jared Harris). The film also features Robert Mitchum in his final role, Gabriel Byrne, Crispin Glover, John Hurt, and Billy Bob Thornton. Notable for its black-and-white cinematography by Robby Müller, Neil Young's minimalist electric guitar score, and profound references to William Blake's poetry, "Dead Man" has achieved cult status and is regarded as a significant example of the postmodern Western genre.