BREAKING IN
A film review by Hal Render
Copyright 1989 Hal Render
I just saw the movie BREAKING IN last night. It's the story of Ernie, an aging veteran burglar/safe-cracker who meets Mike, a kid with a casual disrespect for other people's property. The story develops as Ernie decides to show Mike the ins and outs (literally) of what Ernie calls "thieving." The result is a gentle comedy that takes a lighter look at crime without lapsing into slapstick or farce. The script was written by John Sayles (RETURN OF THE SECAUCUS SEVEN; BABY, IT'S YOU; EIGHT MEN OUT) and the film was directed by Bill Forsyth (GREGORY'S GIRL, LOCAL HERO, COMFORT AND JOY). Those familiar with the work of the two men will recognize their trademarks: witty dialogue, understated characters, and quiet humor.
Perhaps the most pleasing thing about BREAKING IN is the portrayal of Ernie by Burt Reynolds. Eschewing his characteristic smirk and unnaturally curly hairpiece, Reynolds plays Ernie as written: a graying, 61-year old thief with thinning hair, bad eyes and a limp. Ernie is a survivor in the world of crime, a philosophical professional thief who has accepted a low-profile lifestyle in exchange for anonymity with the police. With another actor, Ernie could just be a rather dull, workaday crook, but Reynolds charm and touch for light comedy make Ernie an interesting, likable character.
Mike, well played by Casey Siemaszcko (sp?), is a naive, unsophisticated kid who is drawn to the apparent glamour represented by Ernie. The real interest in the film is watching Ernie, who treats crime as a job, try to instill in Mike, who treats crime as an adventure, the attitude that will allow Mike to survive as Ernie has. The humor comes from Mike's naivete and bumbling attempts to adapt to the lifestyle of a professional thief.
While ostensibly a crime film, there is no real violence in BREAKING IN, and little serious tension. This may deter viewers who cannot watch a film without at least one car chase or gunshot victim. However, for those who like character pieces and the sort of humor found in the films of Sayles and Forsyth, this film should prove enjoyable. And for fans of Burt Reynolds, this will be the chance to seem him in what is probably his best comedic role since STARTING OVER in 1979. I recommend it.
hal.
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