Set during the advanced stages of the Franco regime, Álex de la Iglesia’s Balada triste de trompeta is a blistering onslaught of vengeful violence coupled with tragic unrequited love.
Following a troubled childhood during the Spanish Civil War, Javier (Carlos Areces) finds work as the Sad Clown in a troupe of outlandish circus performers dominated by the maniacal clown Sergio (Antonio de la Torre). The two men fall for the same woman and as they clash they pair descend ever deeper into madness, pushed by rage, desperation and lust, hurtling towards a dramatic showdown.
Winner of Best Screenplay and Best Director at Venice Film Festival 2010