This is a creeper of a gem for it's smart John Sayles script and Bill Forsyth's compassionate simple friendship arc direction style. Honestly I can't say who I enjoyed more but this really relly on the aloof nature and charm of Casey Siemaszko(Mike) however the give and go of Burt Reynolds(Ernie) add so much bon vivant to this material of two strangers finding commrodery together as they do misdeeds in a fashion that isn't about the crime but as an elevated life choice to escape the trappings of working an unfufilling job they don't care about. I didn't expect this to be as good as it was and I am sure director Bill had to make sucsessions in making this but his ability to maintain heart throughout admirably shines through. Thanks to Keith G for pushing forth this film to me. I love the last sequence as they walk away pitting the others life. It is a nice twist of fate and kind.
"Breaking in" the New Year with Stephen! Hope everyone enjoys both reviews and Happy New Year!John Sayles penned this script for director Bill Forsythe a few years after his success with Matewan and the latter's success with Local Hero. While the overall product isn't something undeniably strong, it's a super breezy heist comedy with two really likable leads. This is especially a testament to Casey Siemaszko who should have been a bigger star (he would later be utilized by Sayles in a small but pivotal role in 1999's Limbo). Here he's slumming it up as a young drifter who's as green as they come, affectionately dubbed "whacko" by the veteran guy he stumbles into during the very first scene. In hindsight, this first scene is just as important as the last one to see how the relationship has grown between Ernie and Mike.Breaking In is an example of a perfect title in how Sayles' ties it to the story as a double entendre. Yes, these two are thieves, but it also relays to the character dynamic between them. Young Mikey is willingly put under Ernie's wing, which provides a most fascinating (and very different) ending that I think most would not find satisfying, yet the more I've had the time to linger on it, the more I've come to like it.Instead of making a large deal out of Mike's capture by police, Sayles turns it low-key and makes Mike a character who has truly wanted to learn. His desire for learning a "trade" connects to the mental state of young men, who too, wish to go with the wind, chase tail, and make large amounts of money fast. Mike is malleable and agreeable, and waiting to become a man. He's awestruck when he first comes across Ernie and realizes there's more to life than drifting.Ernie is different than your typical mentor too though, because he snaps Mike back in line any time he skews from responsibility (or rather, the responsibilities he's now signed up for). This gives Ernie a protege, someone for him to pass his legacy on to, being that he is also alone in a world with many acquaintances. Their final confrontation is more heartfelt than what is initially observed on the surface. They talk about recent events and even though he's behind bars, Mike is humbled and grateful for Ernie's friendship. He thanks him for everything he's taught him which leads to the fact they've both met the terms of their original deal. Mike has gained experience and reputation and Ernie's passed on his skill (with a big haul waiting for him). They both know it's the way of the road and that Mike will one day have his chance to do the same as Ernie did, for someone else. It's maybe the trait of a savvy writer to embellish the undertones of two characters in a first-billed comedy. This isn't the strongest film out there, but gold-dang it if it doesn't ease your mind from reality during its 90 minute runtime.
jarring that this released closer to 1990 than 1970 as it has a low stakes shagginess that feels emblematic of the 70s, as if this is Burt’s Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, as much concerned with buddy banter and ribbing as it is the prolonged heist of its climax; remarkably underrated
