Review of Falling Down (1993) by Nathan E — 04 Sep 2012
A compelling crime thriller. It reminds me that Joel Schumacher is a talented filmmaker...as long as he stays away from Batman.
The story is simple, and it doesn't really need to be. This film is character study of two men. While Douglas' character is given top billing, it's really about both him and Duvall's Pendergast, and their eventual philosophical collision. Both men have been beaten down by their lives, but are dealing with it in very different ways. Both attempt to gain control, and Foster utilizes violence.
Some may see this film as a commentary on society in general. But I think the story boils down to a disturbed individual's sad attempt to make sense of his shattered life. He didn't just snap into his madness one day; it was a pathology that followed him his whole life. When Pendergast tells Foster that he is indeed the bad guy, he seems indignant and blames society for his actions. He's a man who believes himself to be a victim, but is actually an aggressor.
This review of Falling Down (1993) was written by Nathan E on 04 Sep 2012.
Falling Down has generally received positive reviews.
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