Review of Falling Down (1993) by Benjamin Z — 31 Aug 2011
There is a "let's do the show right here" bravado in Joel Schumacher's resume,he has fearlessly tackled a range of films with brio,panache,and the visual chops of a window designer(before becoming a film director he work as a window-dresser in one of Manhattan's swankier department stores).
Sticking out like a sore thumb in Schumacher's filmography, "Falling Down" is undoubtedly his masterpiece,and Michael Douglas's greatest performance. A remarkable howl of urban angst.
This is "Taxi Driver" for the multiplex,articulating the anger of the silent majority about traffic gridlock and breakfasts at burger bars becoming unavailable on the stroke of 11.30am. Even if it ultimately cops out with psychological explanations for its protagonist's psychotic reactions,Falling Down is not the first Hollywood film to lose its nerve,and we're more than compensated by the film's numerous anarchic pleasures.
This review of Falling Down (1993) was written by Benjamin Z on 31 Aug 2011.
Falling Down has generally received positive reviews.
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