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 | missing wife | violence | 

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Taglines:

No-one is safe from chance

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence/terror and language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 May 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

A félelem országútján

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, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$50,129,186, 17 August 1997

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:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The original opening in the script shows Jeff Taylor as a photographer in an unnamed war-torn area. He blames himself for the death of a woman, and upon returning to America, quits freelancing, and takes a job in San Diego, California.

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Goofs

In the final chase sequence, Jeff attempts to shoot out Red Barr's truck tires. After a few shots, a click is heard from the pistol and Jeff tells his wife he is out of bullets. A pistol does not just make a click when it is out of ammunition. If Jeff was out of bullets the slide on the pistol would automatically lock back, confirming all rounds were fired.

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Quotes

Jeff: Give me the key.
Red: Mister...
Jeff: Don't "mister" me you son of a bitch. My wife is locked up in a hole in your fucking barn, and if you don't give me the key, I'm gonna blow your fucking head off!

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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

Referenced in Jeepers Creepers (2001)

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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

Terrific thriller that wastes no time to get where it's going

"Breakdown" is a nice little movie that is straightforward, has characters you truly care about, has a simple setup. And it never flags. And it keeps you guessing. Those are good qualities for movies, especially actioners and thrillers, and ones with this kind of premise. And the film has just enough characters (no more than it needs to have) to keep you involved. If the cops were any help, then there wouldn't be much of a story. It also doesn't take itself too seriously. The bad guys here are interesting, but perhaps if there were only one villain, then the movie could have been longer. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys thrillers that accomplishes a lot.

***1/2 out of ****