BREAKAWAY was one of the most widely circulated and admired of the so called underground movies that briefly arrived above ground in the Vietnam generated confusion of the sixties.
Along with Conner's A MOVIE and COSMIC RAY, this film demonstrated an uninhibited concept of what a film was and what people would willingly watch. These were a whole lot better than a great deal of what poured out of that particular breach in the dyke. The fact that this material is all but now forgotten is revealing.
Outside it's historic context BREAKAWAY is a quite ingenious fitting of dancer Antonia Christina Basilotta (shortly to achieve as Toni Basil)dancing in - and out of - skimpy outfits, timed to her singing of the title number with open gate shots and rapid cutting, the number played forward and then backwards. It's achievement appears slim alongside the music videos, now readily available, on which it may have had a formative influence.
Along with Conner's A MOVIE and COSMIC RAY, this film demonstrated an uninhibited concept of what a film was and what people would willingly watch. These were a whole lot better than a great deal of what poured out of that particular breach in the dyke. The fact that this material is all but now forgotten is revealing.
Outside it's historic context BREAKAWAY is a quite ingenious fitting of dancer Antonia Christina Basilotta (shortly to achieve as Toni Basil)dancing in - and out of - skimpy outfits, timed to her singing of the title number with open gate shots and rapid cutting, the number played forward and then backwards. It's achievement appears slim alongside the music videos, now readily available, on which it may have had a formative influence.