Episode 675: In The Seats With...Alan Rudolph and 'Breakfast of Champions'

What was once old and reviled is now fresh and genius....it only took 25 years for it to happen....On this special episode we are looking at a critically reviled piece of cinema back in 1999 that now on rewatch was underappreciated and ahead of its time.  Ladies and Gentleman; it's time for your 'Breakfast of Champions".Based on the novel by Kurt Vonnegut, this is the story of Dwayne Hoover (Willis), the most respected business man in Midland City, who is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. When Hoover meets Kilgore Trout (Finney), a misunderstood and impoverished writer, their two worlds collide, setting forth a ripple of events that will alter both men's lives -- along with Midland City forever.Panned and reviled to the point that it almost sent writer/director Alan Rudolph out of Hollywood on a rail, Breakfast of Champions at the time was a misunderstood effort and generally labeled a disaster that the critics hate and the audiences didn't understand.By nature we critics tend to be a cranky breed but it's important to admit when we're wrong too.25 years later, we as movie going audiences have evolved quite a bit and are now able to see the unhinged hilarity in this observational underbelly of American life that has been projected through the fun house mirror.  Right now; "Breakfast of Champions" is relevant as ever because back then this story was over the top and gonzo, but now it actually feels like a slice of Americana that many desperate and misunderstood people can relate too.We had the pleasure of sitting down and talking about the roller coaster ride that has been 'Breakfast of Champions' with writer/director Alan Rudolph as he gives us insight into it all and shines a light on a Canadian film icon who helped bring this film back to life.'Breakfast of Champions' is in theatres as of Nov 1st in the US and Canada but comes to the Revue Cinema here in Toronto on Nov 5th.   Go rediscover a misunderstood gem of a film.