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Burnout

Burnout (1979)

Apr 01, 1979 1h 15m Drama Action

Troubled teenager Scott aspires to be a professional drag race car driver. Scott makes several faltering attempts to break into the world of drag racing with the help of his affluent businessman father Jeff. Undaunted, Scott decides to spurn Jeff's advice by branching out on his own by going on the road as a gopher for a successful drag race car driver.

Directed by Graham Meech-Burkestone

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Graham Meech-Burkestone
Writer
  • Martin J. Rosen
Producer
  • Martin J. Rosen

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Burnout examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Graham Meech-Burkestone 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1979, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Burnout took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 75 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 122 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
  • The musical score contains over 35 unique compositions.
  • The costume department created over 412 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 1979, when this film was released:
  • The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
  • Disco music dominated popular culture.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While Burnout 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 Mask of Zorro, which focuses more on action than character development, Burnout offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Dangerous Minds and Best Seller explore similar territory, Burnout 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: April 1, 1979
  • Runtime: 1h 15m