Review of Breakdown (1997) by David L — 20 May 2013

A real gut twister. The red desert starkness adds a simplification and amplification to the suspense in a deviously plotted tale. The middle of nowhere offers no allies.

Kurt Russel is haunting as he portrays an out of towner in a wasteland diner near the front of this nightmare fall. His evolution from being overly friendly seeking help from the freakishly apathetic townies to disturbed to furious is fantastic.

This has a similar frequency to Spielberg's "Duel", but this movie is better, it rushes from one cliffhanger into the next in uneven, surprising bursts. Each action sequence has unpredictable oddness, and a gritty, realistic framing.

The deadly backwater villains are heartless, savvy and scary. Russel's situation is overwhelmingly daunting and feels insurmountable, and this is a well acted and directed realization for the viewer. This unfolds like a graphic novel in the best sense of the genre.

I enjoyed the ride from beginning to end.