Film Club Members and Movie Buffs:
November is over a week old, and we, also, are over a week older, with no time to waste; this would be a great opportunity to get out and see a classic film, and spend some time with the Tacoma Film Club. This Friday, in line with our theme this month of “coming of age”, we are screening the feel-good classic BREAKING AWAY (1979). It was directed by Peter Yates, a Brit, who spent a lot of time in Hollywood with his career. A graduate of RADA in the early 50’s, he first was an actor, and then began to work as an assistant director for Tony Richardson. Yates directed 28 films, including ROBBERY (1967), BULLITT (1968), THE FRIENDS OF EDDIE COYLE (1973), THE DEEP (1977), THE DRESSER (1983), and HOUSE ON CARROLL STREET (1988).
Roger Ebert wrote, “With this film, Yates has gone for the human elements, but he hasn’t forgotten how to direct action; there’s a bravura sequence in which Dave, riding a racing bicycle, engages in a high-speed highway duel with a semitrailer truck.”
SPORTS ILLUSTRATED lists this film as #8 on their list of top sports films of all time.
It was written by Steve Tesich, a playwright who wrote scripts for 10 films, including THE WORLD ACCORDING TO GARP (1982) and AMERICAN FLYERS (1985).
Trivia: Steve Tesich had been a college sports cyclist in 1962, and his inspiration for his character of “Dave” was his friend, David K. Blase, who led their team to victory in the little 500, and had an “Italian” fixation. The actual nickname for the Bloomington townies was “stoners” [for stone-cutters], but the film production team changed the name to “cutters”.
Mom: He was very sickly until he began riding around on the bicycle.
Dad: Yeah, well, now his body’s fine, but his mind is gone. What are we going to do with that boy?
Mom: I don’t know–I guess we could strangle him in his sleep.
The cinematographer was Matthew T. Leonetti, who has lensed since the early 70’s, including THE DEADLY TOWER (1975), RAISE THE TITANIC (1980), POLTERGEIST (1982), COMMANDO (1985), RED HEAT (1988), DEAD AGAIN (1991), and PRIDE (2007).
BREAKING AWAY (1979)
Directed by Peter Yates @ 101 minutes.
The film stars Dennis Christopher, Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern, Jackie Earl Haley, Paul Dooley, and Barbara Barrie.
Synopsis: Four young men, freshly graduated from high school, are not quite sure what they want to do with their lives; but one of them is fixated on the Italian national cycling team, and he decides to become a professional cyclist–and begins to become “ Italian “ immediately. He falls in love with a college girl and talks his mates into forming a cycle racing team to compete with the snobs, and win her affection.
Taglines: Somewhere between growing up and settling down.
The movie that tells you exactly what to do with your high school diploma.
The film was nominated for five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress. It won an Oscar for Best Screenplay by Steve Tesich. It won a Golden Globe for Best Picture.
Roger Ebert also wrote: “The film is a treasure, a wonderfully sunny, funny, goofy, intelligent movie that makes you feel about as good as any movie in a long time.”
Written in AT-A-GLANCE REVIEWS: “Whimsy is a quality this film understands. It is not interested in shocking action and drama; no, it takes the riskier but more rewarding road, finding emotional depth, infectious delight, and even joy in every day life.”
So mark your calendars for this Friday, November 11, 2011, Veteran’s Day, and join us to watch Peter Yates’ delightful film, BREAKING AWAY. It will be screened at 924 Broadway, in the Pythian Temple, street level, across from the Theater in the Square, in the heart of Tacoma’s Theater District. For those film buffs who enjoy spirited fellowship, come early, like 6 p.m., and join the fun. Anyone who wants to–can bring “finger food”, wine or soft drinks to share with the rest of the gang. This not a pot luck, or a formal meal, as we have done in the past. Eat before you come, and bring a goodie to munch on. There is a free door prize giveaway; the winner choosing a quality DVD from my personal collection, from a selection of two dozen available. We will have club announcements and an introduction to BREAKING AWAY at 7:00 p.m., and it will screen at 7:15 p.m. The film runs 101 minutes, so the event will be over by 9:30 p.m. Look for the large TFC banner hanging over the front door. See you at the movies!
Glenn
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