The Broken Circle Breakdown


The Broken Circle Breakdown is a 2012 Belgian drama film directed by Felix Van Groeningen. It is based on the play written by Johan Heldenbergh and Mieke Dobbels and adapted for the screen by Carl Joos and Felix van Groeningen.
The film garnered critical acclaim and was selected as the Belgian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 86th Academy Awards, and was on the nominated shortlist. The film was the winner of Best Foreign Film at the 39th César Awards. It was the winner of the 2013 Lux Prize.

Cast

The film is set in Ghent, in the Flemish Region of Belgium, and chronicles the lives of Didier and Elise over seven years as they fall in love through their passion for bluegrass music. Didier meets Elise in her tattoo parlour and invites her to the performance of his Bluegrass band. They soon fall in love. When Didier discovers Elise has a wonderful voice, she joins their band as a singer. After a few months, Elise discovers she is unexpectedly pregnant. Even though it comes as a shock at first, the couple is happy. Their daughter Maybelle is born and for a few years, they live a happy life and have success with their band.
After her sixth birthday, Maybelle develops cancer and her health quickly detoriates. She succumbs to it within a year. The death of Maybelle has a devastating effect on Didier and Elise's relationship and their lives.
Didier focuses on scientism, especially after George.W Bush opposes embryonic stemcell-research under pressure of creationists and pro-life movements. Elise finds solace in spiritualism and reincarnation. The two grow further and further apart until Elise attempts suicide. She is rushed to the hospital but she is found braindead. Didier agrees to stop the artificial respiration. The movie ends with the band playing a song around Elises deathbed.

Production

The film was shot from 18 July to 8 September 2011 in Belgium.

Soundtrack

The bluegrass soundtrack includes traditional songs as well as music composed for the film by Bjorn Eriksson. All the music in the band scenes is performed by the actors.
  1. "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?" See also "Can the Circle Be Unbroken "
  2. "The Boy Who Wouldn't Hoe Corn" by Alison Krauss, Pat Brayer, Jerry Douglas, Dan Tyminski, Barry Bales, and Ron Block
  3. "Dusty Mixed Feelings"
  4. "Wayfaring Stranger"
  5. "Rueben's Train"
  6. "Country In My Genes"
  7. "Further On Up The Road"
  8. "Where Are You Heading, Tumbleweed?"
  9. "Over In The Gloryland"
  10. "Cowboy Man"
  11. "If I Needed You"
  12. "Carved Tree Inn"
  13. "Sandmountain"
  14. "Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us"
  15. "Blackberry Blossom"

    Accolades