In "Falling Down", a recently terminated defense worker (played by Michael Douglas), stuck in morning gridlock, abandons his car on the freeway and goes on a rampage through the streets of Los Angeles. Along the way, he encounters a number of colorful characters who symbolize personal frustration, impede his desire to "go home" and ultimately come into his line of fire. Trailing him is humane, veteran cop Prendergast (Robert Duvall) on his last day before retirement determined to bring him in and prevent further bloodshed and destruction.
Michael Douglas does a masterful job of conveying the frustration of the disenfranchised. Having lost his job and unable to share liberal visitation with his young daughter, he is a study in both rage and frustration. Despite his violent actions and his unbalanced state, we feel for Douglas' character because some of those he comes up against (the gang members, army surplus store owner) are even more vile than he is. We also identify with the annoyances of traffic jams, overpriced items, self-important country club types and fast food fiascos. He is in many respects the little guy up against an unfair and an uncaring world, undercut by a system that chews people up and spits them out. Jobless, unable to remain close to those he cares for and unable to adjust to life's curve-balls, he becomes unhinged. Douglas' character (D-FENS) is one we can strongly sympathize with in principle- even if we disagree with his actions.
Marring the film is the subplot involving the relationship between Robert Duvall and his unbalanced wife (Tuesday Weld)- a scenario that adds nothing to the film. It is there apparently to show us the humanity in Duvall's character, but it is merely annoying. Also unsatisfying is the dynamic between him and his Captain, a hard-ass type who dislikes Duvall, but whose character is never fully developed.
Notwithstanding these criticisms, "Falling Down" is well worth two hours of your time and a worthy vehicle for Douglas.
Michael Douglas does a masterful job of conveying the frustration of the disenfranchised. Having lost his job and unable to share liberal visitation with his young daughter, he is a study in both rage and frustration. Despite his violent actions and his unbalanced state, we feel for Douglas' character because some of those he comes up against (the gang members, army surplus store owner) are even more vile than he is. We also identify with the annoyances of traffic jams, overpriced items, self-important country club types and fast food fiascos. He is in many respects the little guy up against an unfair and an uncaring world, undercut by a system that chews people up and spits them out. Jobless, unable to remain close to those he cares for and unable to adjust to life's curve-balls, he becomes unhinged. Douglas' character (D-FENS) is one we can strongly sympathize with in principle- even if we disagree with his actions.
Marring the film is the subplot involving the relationship between Robert Duvall and his unbalanced wife (Tuesday Weld)- a scenario that adds nothing to the film. It is there apparently to show us the humanity in Duvall's character, but it is merely annoying. Also unsatisfying is the dynamic between him and his Captain, a hard-ass type who dislikes Duvall, but whose character is never fully developed.
Notwithstanding these criticisms, "Falling Down" is well worth two hours of your time and a worthy vehicle for Douglas.