Breakdown
“It could happen to you.”
Synopsis
On their cross-country drive, a married couple, Jeff and Amy Taylor, experience car trouble after their SUV breaks down. Stranded in the New Mexico desert, the two catch a break when a passing truck driver offers Amy a ride to a nearby café to call for help. Meanwhile, Jeff is able to fix the car and make his way to the café, but Amy isn't there. He tracks down the trucker ― who tells the police he's never seen Jeff or his wife before. Jeff then begins a desperate, frenzied search for Amy.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Breakdown - TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2012-08-10
Top Cast
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Kurt Russell
Jeff Taylor
J.T. Walsh
Warren 'Red' Barr
Kathleen Quinlan
Amy Taylor
M.C. Gainey
Earl
Jack Noseworthy
Billy
Rex Linn
Sheriff Boyd
Ritch Brinkley
Al
Moira Sinise
Arleen Barr
Kim Robillard
Deputy Len Carver
Thomas Kopache
Calhoun
Jack McGee
Bartender
Vincent Berry
Deke Barr
Helen Duffy
Flo
Ancel Cook
Barfly
Gene Hartline
Tow Truck Driver
Steve Waddington
Cowboy In Bank
Rick Sanders
Truck Stop Trucker
Alitzah
Spanish Girl (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
Los Angeles, California
Festival / Special Debut
May 2, 1997
Wide Cinema Exhibition
December 1, 1998
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$36M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$50.2M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
1.39x
+$14.2M net gain
Theatrical Status
Budget Return
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Jonathan Mostow
- Screenplay & Story
- Jonathan Mostow, Sam Montgomery
- Original Score
- Basil Poledouris
- Original Title
- Breakdown
- Country of Origin
- United States of America, Italy
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 33m
- Production Budget
- $36M
- Worldwide Gross
- $50.2M
- Production Studios
- Spelling Films, Paramount Pictures, DDL Cinematografica
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Jonathan Mostow
Jonathan Mostow, Sam Montgomery
Basil Poledouris
Douglas Milsome, Raymond Stella
Derek Brechin, Kevin Stitt
Dino De Laurentiis, Martha De Laurentiis, Jonathan Fernandez, Harry Colomby
Department Leadership Roster
Dino De Laurentiis
Producer
Jonathan Mostow
Director
Martha De Laurentiis
Producer
Jonathan Mostow
Screenplay
Basil Poledouris
Original Music Composer
Derek Brechin
Editor
Kevin Stitt
Editor
Sam Montgomery
Screenplay
Douglas Milsome
Director of Photography
Victoria Paul
Production Design
Pat Romano
Stunt Coordinator
M. James Arnett
Stunt Coordinator
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.
FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Breakdown.
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Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Breakdown.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Breakdown
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Breakdown about?
On their cross-country drive, a married couple, Jeff and Amy Taylor, experience car trouble after their SUV breaks down. Stranded in the New Mexico desert, the two catch a break when a passing truck driver offers Amy a ride to a nearby café to call for help. Meanwhile, Jeff is able to fix the car and make his way to the café, but Amy isn't there. He tracks down the trucker ― who tells the police he's never seen Jeff or his wife before. Jeff then begins a desperate, frenzied search for Amy.
Who directed Breakdown?
Breakdown was directed by Jonathan Mostow.
Who stars in Breakdown?
The principal cast of Breakdown includes Kurt Russell, J.T. Walsh, Kathleen Quinlan, M.C. Gainey, Jack Noseworthy.
When was Breakdown released and how long is it?
Breakdown was released in 1997 with a total runtime of 1h 33m.
What was the box office and production budget of Breakdown?
Breakdown had a reported production budget of $36M and grossed $50.2M at the worldwide box office (1.39 return on budget, classified as a budget recovered).
Who composed the musical score for Breakdown?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Breakdown was composed by Basil Poledouris.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Breakdown?
Breakdown holds official age classifications: AU: M (Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.); DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.); GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).