Breakdown

Breakdown

Year: 1997

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

Director: Jonathan Mostow

Thriller

While driving along a lonely highway, Jeff Taylor experiences a sudden, unexpected turn of events when his wife Amy disappears. With the police unable to find any leads and the surrounding community offering little help, Jeff begins a dangerous search for answers. He must face his deepest anxieties as he desperately tries to find Amy and determine what has become of her.

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Timeline & Setting – Breakdown (1997)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Breakdown (1997). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film is set in contemporary times, reflecting a period where mobility and road trips are common for couples seeking adventure. The events take place in a time marked by isolation in rural areas, as well as the vulnerability of travelers, which amplifies the movie's tension.

Location

Boston, California, rural New Mexico

The movie begins in Boston, where Jeff and Amy Taylor reside, and transitions to the scenic yet desolate landscapes of rural New Mexico, which serve as a backdrop for the couple's harrowing journey. The seemingly idyllic diner becomes a pivotal setting for escalating tension, where Jeff seeks answers amidst hostile locals.

🏙️ City 🌄 Landscape 🍔 Diner

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:21

Main Characters – Breakdown (1997)

Meet the key characters of Breakdown (1997), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jeff Taylor (Kurt Russell)

Jeff is depicted as a determined and resourceful husband, whose love for Amy pushes him into increasingly perilous situations. As his search unfolds, he shows resilience and adaptability, transforming from a passive bystander to a proactive survivor engulfed in a desperate race against time.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family 🏃‍♂️ Determined ⚔️ Brave

Amy Taylor (Kathleen Quinlan)

Amy is portrayed as the innocent victim in the film, whose abduction sets off the primary conflict. Though her character experiences terror, her presence serves as a catalyst for Jeff's actions, emphasizing the depth of their relationship and the stakes involved in their survival.

💔 Victim 👩‍❤️‍👨 Couple 😨 Fearful

Red Barr (J.T. Walsh)

Red is a pivotal antagonist whose friendly exterior masks dark intentions. As a trucker involved in Amy's disappearance, his character adds layers of manipulation and menace, presenting a formidable challenge to Jeff as the narrative unfolds.

💀 Villain 🚚 Trucker 🏴‍☠️ Manipulative

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:21

Major Themes – Breakdown (1997)

Explore the central themes of Breakdown (1997), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔪 Survival

Survival is a central theme in 'Breakdown,' as Jeff embarks on a desperate mission to rescue his wife from peril. His journey highlights the lengths one will go to protect loved ones in unimaginable circumstances, navigating the blurred lines between trust and betrayal in a dangerous world.

🚨 Deception

Deception permeates the narrative, with seemingly friendly faces hiding sinister motives. Jeff's challenges involve not only overcoming the threats posed by his wife’s kidnappers but also navigating the distrust he faces from authorities and locals, showcasing the fragility of appearances.

💔 Fear and Desperation

Fear and desperation fuel Jeff's quest throughout the film, highlighting the psychological toll of a loved one being in danger. As the stakes rise, his emotional journey reflects the transformation from a relaxed vacationer to a man driven by primal instincts in extreme situations.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:21

Unlock the Full Story of Breakdown

Don't stop at just watching — explore Breakdown in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Breakdown is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Breakdown Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Breakdown, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Breakdown Summary

Breakdown Timeline

Track the full timeline of Breakdown with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Breakdown Timeline

More About Breakdown

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More About Breakdown

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