Rating of
3.5/4
Falling Down review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 12/03/11
A former defense worker Bill Foster got laid off a month prior to his “falling down” of reality. On a sweaty day where traffic wasn’t moving, he leaves the car and decides to his family. He gets cheated by a greedy Korean, almost got mugged by Latino’s, got frustrated at a misinterpretation of a burger, verbally abused by a rich old club member, annoying stranger impatiently waiting to call in a phone booth and was about to be abused by a deranged store owner. An LAPD Sergeant on his last day, Prendergast (Robert Duvall), tracks down the mystery vigilante. Some of the best lines from this picture: Foster – “Can anybody tell me what's wrong with this picture?” “God bless the working stiff!”
Soundtrack was a bit repetitive and dialogue at times awkward. Michael Douglas was really sharp in his portrayal of an angry person with regrets. Robert Duvall shines as well as the just cop who was able to track bill. Themes of temper, choices, priorities, deception and racism were exhibited well in the various locations Forster went to. It is clear that society tends to get the better of us. Premise was similar to Taxi Driver, only this time the main character has a family and was fired. Had some comical moments, especially the “burger” and “road is fine” scenes, which this reviewer has been griping whenever similar situations are encountered. The conclusion could have been better since the whole situation for Foster was already depressing. Falling Down is an insightful and thought provoking crime drama with touches of dark humor, which is suited for this reviewers taste.
