Cast
View All
Crew
Director
- James McTeigue
Writer
- Ryan Engle
Producer
- Gabrielle Union
- Sheila Taylor
- Will Packer
- James Lopez
- Craig Perry
Reviews
Gimly
Performances are surprisingly solid, but each and every character is one note, in a movie you've seen every aspect of in other films a dozen times before.
_Final rating:★★ - Had some things that appeal to me, but a poor finished product._
Oct 4, 2018
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Thriller/Crime/Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Breaking In distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director James McTeigue brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2018, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Breaking In took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $6.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 115 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 2476 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Breaking In shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Desperate Hours, which focuses more on action than character development, Breaking In subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 and Flesh and Bone explore similar territory, Breaking In stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 5, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 28m
- Budget: $6,000,000
- Revenue: $49,078,000
