Review of Falling Down (1993) by Connor A — 22 Sep 2014
The theme of Falling Down does not reside in the category of xenophobia, violence or the faults of modern society. It lies in loneliness, frustration and existentialism. Douglas' character does not rampage through the city looking for people to confront; his trail is random and his actions seem confused and spur-of-the-moment.
His conflict is not with stingy store owners, Latino gang members or neo-nazis, but rather with himself and the universe surrounding him. He is frustrated with his life, and questions why things are the way they are, pointing out the faults in logic in everyday incidents and responding with violence, the only way he knows how to express his frustration.
He is shot by the police at the end, completing the cycle of man notices faults, man no longer conforms, man causes trouble, man is taken out by powers that be; a realistic end to an extraordinary situation.
This review of Falling Down (1993) was written by Connor A on 22 Sep 2014.
Falling Down has generally received positive reviews.
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