The most timeless films offer a relatable but equally satirical look at America‘s search for identity against a backdrop of sheer senselessness. That’s certainly the case with the classic comedy, ‘Breakfast of Champions,’ which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Originally released in 1999, which is widely considered to be one of the best years in cinematic history, the movie’s surreal message still remains universally relevant in modern society.

‘Breakfast of Champions’ 4K restoration is being distributed in theaters this Friday, November 1, 2024. In honor of the project’s re-release, Film Factual is debuting an exclusive clip from the feature, which is titled ‘Clothing Can Leave Now.’

Alan Rudolph wrote and directed the comedy, which is based on Kurt Vonnegut’s beloved novel. The screen adaptation stars Bruce Willis, Albert Finney, Nick Nolte, Barbara Hershey, Glenne Headly, Lukas Haas, Omar Epps, Vicki Lewis and Buck Henry.

‘Breakfast of Champions’ follows car dealership titan Dwayne Hoover (Willis), the most respected man in Midland City. His smiling face appears on every local channel and billboard – a shining symbol of the American success syndrome.

But Dwayne Hoover isn’t smiling on the inside. Nor can he be trusted. Dwayne’s shady prosperity, picture-frame family and small mind are cracking.  His television commercial-addicted wife, Celia (Hershey), may or may not be physically present when he’s with her. His son, George (Haas), resides in a bomb shelter aspiring to be a lounge singer. His paranoid sales manager, Harry (Nolte), has a significant sex secret.  A Dwayne Hoover worshipper, Wayne (Epps), has taken up residence on his car lot.  Meanwhile, his adulating secretary/lover, Francine (Headly), wonders if Dwayne Hoover has changed. The reeling business titan needs to find something or someone immediately to tell him the truth, to guide him out of this punishing, yet well-deserved, self-doubt.

Simultaneous to Dwayne expanding breakdown, an impoverished and nonsensical science fiction writer, Kilgore Trout (Finney), is making his way to Midland City’s Fine Arts Festival, hailed as the world’s greatest author by Midland City’s wealthiest cultural leader. Once Hoover discovers Trout’s impending arrival, he is maniacally determined to meet the author and receive the message that will restore his confidence and well-being. But when their orbits finally collide, neither Dwayne Hoover, Kilgore Trout, nor Midland City is prepared for the inexplicable and volatile results.