what does the title mean?
Anyone knows?
shareI think, well I'm almost sure, it's referring to the song 'Will the circle be unbroken' which is also featured in the movie.
My take on it is that the circle of family that is broken by the death of the couple's daughter, is further breaking down due to the opposing religious and spiritual views of the couple.
The title was likely "taken" from "Will the Circle be Unbroken" and "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" by Flatt and Scruggs. "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" is a "party anthem" to any Blue Grass get together. I cannot imagine a Blue Grass festival happening without this tune being played.
The circle is a symbol of infinity. During many weddings I've attended, the priest refers to the wedding ring as a "symbol of infinity" with "no beginning or end". So what we have here is a double take on the use of the symbol of infinity: infinite death or infinite life in a hereafter; and a reference to the circle as a relationship symbol or everlasting love. Thus, if the circle is "broken" the loved one is "departed"; or, if the relationship is "broken" then love is "departed", divorce.
The "breakdown" part may be a reference to the fact that during the tune "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" the player of the banjo de-tunes his strings while he hits certain notes. This gives a feeling of a "flat tire" surprise; like air being drawn out of a inner tube; it's like the banjo falling apart while it is being played. It is a playful musical technique that surprises and delights the audience. The banjo is "breaking" as the strings are de-tuned by the musician in real time. Of course, the banjo is not really "breaking" or breaking down" it's just a playful, unconventional way to play the tune. So, that is my take on the use of the word "breakdown" in the famous tune "Foggy Mountain Breakdown".
That's a big spoiler you have there, a spoiler alert would be nice
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