Alan Rudolph on Breakfast of Champions

Welcome back to the Following Films Podcast, 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.

Now, 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.

I hope you enjoy the show.

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