Breakdown (1997)

A man searches for his missing wife after his car breaks down in the middle of the desert.

Director:

Jonathan Mostow

Writers:

Jonathan Mostow (story), Jonathan Mostow (screenplay)

Stars:

Kurt Russell, J.T. Walsh, Kathleen Quinlan

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kurt Russell	...	Jeff Taylor
J.T. Walsh	...	Red Barr
Kathleen Quinlan	...	Amy Taylor
M.C. Gainey	...	Earl
Jack Noseworthy	...	Billy
Rex Linn	...	Sheriff Boyd
Ritch Brinkley	...	Al
Moira Sinise	...	Arleen (as Moira Harris)
Kim Robillard	...	Deputy Len Carver
Thomas Kopache	...	Calhoun
Jack McGee	...	Bartender
Vincent Berry	...	Deke
Helen Duffy	...	Flo
Ancel Cook	...	Barfly
Gene Hartline	...	Tow Truck Driver

Storyline

Jeff and Amy Taylor are moving to California and must drive across the country. When they find themselves stranded in the middle of a desert with hardly anyone or anything around, their trip comes to a sudden halt. Amy had taken a ride with a friendly trucker to a small diner to call for help, but after a long time, Jeff becomes worried. He finds that no one in the diner has seen or heard from his wife. When he finds the trucker who gave Amy the ride, the trucker swears he has never seen her. Now Jeff must attempt to find his wife, who has been kidnapped and is being held for ransom. But who can he trust?

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Plot Keywords:

car truck chase | trucker | breakdown | psychological thriller | psychological abuse | 

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Taglines:

A cross-country trip. An unexpected breakdown. The trap has been set.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence/terror and language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Film Composer Basil Poledouris had to record two scores for the film, because the first one was rejected.

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Goofs

When they leave the gas station and Jeff is speeding, the odometer shows 245 miles on it. They are in New Mexico driving from Massachusetts.

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Quotes

Billy, Gang Member: [to Jeff] If some hotshot fuck like you ain't watching his bottom line, it'd be the FIRST time in history!

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Alternate Versions

German version was edited to remove sight of Kathleen Quinlan moving the gearshift of the pickup-truck (so it looks like Red Barr's truck falls down by itself).

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Connections

References Deliverance (1972)

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Soundtracks

Burgers & Fries
(1978)
Written by Ben Peters
Performed by Charley Pride
Courtesy of the RCA Records Label of BMG Entertainment

User Reviews

One of the best thrillers of the 90's!

In my opinion, Breakdown is one of the best thrillers of the 1990's. It has everything, great scenery, great acting, aand a great plot too! This one will keep you guessing for quite a while, and even after you figure out the ending, you'll still be guessing who's gonna come out on top, Kurt Russell, or the bad guys. I highly recommend this movie, if for nothing more than to pay tribute to the late great, J.T. Walsh.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 May 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Breakdown

Filming Locations:

Archview RV Resort & Campground - 13701 N Hwy 191, Moab, Utah, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$36,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$12,307,128, 4 May 1997

Gross USA:

$50,159,144

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$50,159,144

Company Credits

Production Co:

Dino De Laurentiis Company, Paramount Pictures, Spelling Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

93 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1