BREAKDOWN is one of those lower-budgeted, under-the-radar type movies which pop up on late night television to hook and fascinate you. In essence, it's a B-movie with a better cast than usual; one of those films I saw and liked years and years ago and which has stayed with me ever since. I recently revisited the film on DVD and was surprised to discover that it's actually an excellent little action/mystery/thriller and one of my all-time favourites.
The ever under-appreciated Kurt Russell stars as that classic archetype, the ordinary guy, who finds himself out of his depth when his wife goes missing after hitching a ride with a seemingly kindly trucker. I won't spoil what happens after that, only to saw that the screenplay is absolutely loaded with suspense. Truly, you could hear a pin drop as I sat watching this film, riveted to the screen; the bank scene is the real highlight, but the later antics pay off nicely too. Things culminate with a nicely directed action scene featuring some great car stunts. I'd put this film up with the best of Hitchcock, and that's no joke; it's the type of film I could start watching again straight after finishing, I enjoy it that much.
Much of the film's success comes from the casting of Russell, whose acting adds immeasurably to the experience. He's one of those instantly identifiable and likable actors who you end up rooting for from the outset, even in more conflicted roles like the one he played in corrupt cop yarn DARK BLUE. If only Tarantino's DEATH PROOF had been more like this movie! Instead, the directorial duties are handled by Jonathan Mostow, his debut picture, and he does a wonderful job. I equally enjoyed his follow-up films, U-571 and even TERMINATOR 3: RISE OF THE MACHINES, although I'll admit that SURROGATES was a little lacking in the substance stakes. J. T. Walsh also does a nice job in a supporting role, and it's fun to see M. C. Gainey given something larger than a cameo for a change.
The ever under-appreciated Kurt Russell stars as that classic archetype, the ordinary guy, who finds himself out of his depth when his wife goes missing after hitching a ride with a seemingly kindly trucker. I won't spoil what happens after that, only to saw that the screenplay is absolutely loaded with suspense. Truly, you could hear a pin drop as I sat watching this film, riveted to the screen; the bank scene is the real highlight, but the later antics pay off nicely too. Things culminate with a nicely directed action scene featuring some great car stunts. I'd put this film up with the best of Hitchcock, and that's no joke; it's the type of film I could start watching again straight after finishing, I enjoy it that much.
Much of the film's success comes from the casting of Russell, whose acting adds immeasurably to the experience. He's one of those instantly identifiable and likable actors who you end up rooting for from the outset, even in more conflicted roles like the one he played in corrupt cop yarn DARK BLUE. If only Tarantino's DEATH PROOF had been more like this movie! Instead, the directorial duties are handled by Jonathan Mostow, his debut picture, and he does a wonderful job. I equally enjoyed his follow-up films, U-571 and even TERMINATOR 3: RISE OF THE MACHINES, although I'll admit that SURROGATES was a little lacking in the substance stakes. J. T. Walsh also does a nice job in a supporting role, and it's fun to see M. C. Gainey given something larger than a cameo for a change.