All children destined at some point to feel trapped by their upbringing or their home towns – everyone, in other words – should see “Breaking Away.”
This diamond from 1979 never looks old, managing that elusive mix of sincerity and humor, plot and character that lesser movies strive for. Down to the last frame – a freeze-
shot of Paul Dooley reacting to yet more inspired foolishness from his son, Dennis Christopher – “Breaking Away” tells the story of a small town whose frustrations and joys are universal.
The four friends of “Breaking Away” have graduated from high school and immediately lost their way. They’re from the working class of sleepy Bloomington, Ind., ridiculed by the wealthier preppies at the University of Indiana campus that dominates the town.
Christopher’s character lives his fantasy of bicycle racing, even adopting an Italian diction that impresses girls, and as a side bonus, drives his blue-collar father batty.
Christopher’s charming lead is well-supported by a young and restless Dennis Quaid, and the character actors Daniel Stern and Jackie Earle Haley. All four bristle at their families’ low expectations, yet fear the possible failures entailed in “breaking away” from tradition.
A sleeper hit, “Breaking Away” won a well-deserved Oscar for best screenplay.
Each Tuesday, Michael Booth uncovers a movie gem for rewarding family entertainment. Reach him at mbooth@denverpost.com; find the “Screen Team” blog at denverpostbloghouse.com.
“Breaking Away”
Rated: PG for some profanity Most appealing: Boys 10 and older
