“Breaking Away”

Breaking Away (1979)
Directed by Peter Yates
Shown: Jackie Earle Haley (as Moocher), Daniel Stern (as Cyril), Dennis Quaid (as Mike), Dennis Christopher (as Dave Stoller)

Although this film was nominated for five Academy Awards (Best Picture, Best Original Score, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Screenplay) and won for its screenplay, it was overshadowed by a host of box-office winners in 1979, including “All That Jazz,” “Kramer v. Kramer,” “The China Syndrome,” “…And Justice for All,” “Being There,” “Apocalypse Now,” “The Rose,” “The Black Stallion,” “Alien,” and “Norma Rae.” Frankly, it’s amazing that this small, quiet film got noticed at all among so many hits with much bigger stars.
Nonetheless, “Breaking Away” has survived the test of time and is considered among the top-10 films of all time in several categories – including coming-of-age movies.

So, here’s the assignment sheet and a few links to help you find your way.

Enjoy!
• “Breaking Away” at IMDB
• Roger Ebert’s review of “Breaking Away”
• A conversation about “Breaking Away”
• Breaking Away Assignment