Image credit: Breaking Away, 1979.
For anybody who thinks Breaking Away (Disc/Download) is only about cycling, let me enlighten you to the real reason we watch this movie— Dennis. Quaid’s. Abs. All kidding aside, this is a great flick for when you find yourself in the summer doldrums, waiting for something to change, even when it seems like nothing ever will. It’s a movie about feeling like you’re on the precipice of… something. You just don’t know what yet.
Starring Beck doppelgänger Dennis Christopher as a teen obsessed with Italian cyclists, Breaking Away follows Dave and his three buddies as they figure out how to go from high school to adulthood. As “townies” in Bloomington, IN, they’re ridiculed by the university jocks and frat boys, their ambitions reduced to pipe dreams that’ll never come true. But Dave doesn’t care—he goes after the pretty sorority girl, pretends he’s Italian, and trains obsessively to compete in the local bike race. His friends think he’s a little nuts, his parents think he’s really nuts, but none of that matters. He’s got a goal, and nothing’s gonna stop him.
When the Italian racers come to Indiana, they’re sponsored by the Cinzano alcohol brand. How fortuitous for Cinema Sips! But the thing is, these Cinzano racers are evil. Threatened by Dave’s natural talent, they sabotage his bike, leaving him broken and bloody on the side of the road. So I’m boycotting Cinzano, in favor of my other favorite summertime Italian aperitif Aperol. While watching Breaking Away, I recommend drinking this Cutter Collins.
Cutter Collins
1 ½ oz Gin
1 ½ oz Aperol
¾ oz Lemon Juice
¼ oz Simple Syrup
4 basil leaves, roughly torn
½ oz Prosecco
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, and shake until well chilled and combined. Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice, and top with prosecco. Garnish with a sprig of basil.
For anyone who’s ever felt like their dreams are unattainable, this is a good reminder that hard work and dedication can go a long way. Also, it’s okay to ask for a little help from your friends. Especially if that friend is a glistening, shirtless Dennis Quaid. Cheers!
Cinema Sips 