Following Films Podcast: Alan Rudolph on Breakfast of Champions

Today, we’re taking a close look at a true cult adaptation by one of indie cinema’s most fearless filmmakers. That’s right--we’re diving into Alan Rudolph’s take on Breakfast of Champions.

For those who don’t know, Breakfast of Champions is one of Kurt Vonnegut’s most satirical and surreal novels, a whirlwind exploration of American culture, consumerism, and the absurdity of modern life. The novel has long been considered “unfilmable,” with its meta-narratives, wild characters, and existential commentary. But in 1999, Alan Rudolph took on the challenge, casting Bruce Willis as the unraveling car dealer Dwayne Hoover in a film adaptation that swings for the fences, capturing the novel's surreal humor and chaotic energy.

So, how did Rudolph tackle the impossible? What did he capture from Vonnegut’s world, and where did he veer off in his own direction? And, perhaps most importantly, how did audiences and critics react to this strange, audacious take on an American classic? Today, we’ll explore all of this and more, from the casting and visual style to the legacy of this unique adaptation.

So, whether you’re a die-hard Vonnegut fan, an Alan Rudolph admirer, or just curious about ambitious cinema, join us as we explore Breakfast of Champions, Alan Rudolph’s unforgettable ride through satire, surrealism, and Americana.

Breakfast of Champions will be playing on Nov 15th at the Alamo Drafthouse in Los Angeles, at SIFF Cinema Uptown on Nov 24th, and at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago IL. on Dec. 13th.

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MULHOLLAND DRIVE is a complex and surreal film directed by David Lynch, known for its non-linear narrative and dreamlike sequences. The ending is open to interpretation and has been the subject of much debate among viewers. Here's a breakdown of the ending: Diane's Dream vs. Reality: Throughout the film, there are two main narrative threads: one follows Betty/Diane's dreamlike experiences in Hollywood, and the other delves into Diane's harsh reality. The ending reveals that the majority of the film has been a dream constructed by Diane Selwyn, a failed actress, as a means to escape the guilt and pain of her actions. Betty/Diane's Descent into Madness: Betty, played by Naomi Watts, represents Diane's idealized self—a hopeful and innocent aspiring actress. However, as the film progresses, it becomes clear that Betty's story is unraveling, and her identity begins to merge with Diane's. This culminates in the revelation that Betty is merely a construct of Di...

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