Review of Falling Down (1993) by Dean M — 18 Feb 2012

Is he a good guy or a bad guy? This question continuously runs through your head while watching this movie. Michael Douglas starring as D-FENS makes some social comments with a little help from a baseball bat right through to a bazooka on his path to destruction.

The opening of Falling Down does little to endear you to the character who obviously has some anger management issues, but then he walks into a faux McDonalds and suddenly you're on his side. One cannot help but feel empathy as he stumbles into each situation particularly when it comes to his ultimate goal of seeing his daughter. Once again that internal good guy/bad guy struggle becomes apparent as he is obviously dangerous but he just wants to see his kid on her birthday!!

Douglas plays the role brilliantly and is supported by the equally talented Robert Duvall. They only meet once but it is the finest scene in the film that will have you on the edge.

Falling Down is a great watch and is one of those movies that sort of disappeared. It will have you cheering for all the wrong reasons as it makes some comments on society in a very direct and brutal manner.