Review of Falling Down (1993) by Greg L — 07 Jun 2011

I saw this film a few years ago, and then again last night on TV. It can be said that despite 18 years (made in 1993!) it still has a serious message and a darkly black sense of humour. Before Joel Schumacher made retarded movies like Batman Forever and Batman and Robin (please, nothing justifies its creation, let alone the cocaine riddled producers who greenlighted it), he had a moment of genius.

Ok so he had Phone Booth as well, which was a unique take on the nutter holding the hostage on the phone (literally). That aside, Joel's talents shone in the hot sweaty razor sharp cutting analysis of a man who finally snaps under the weight of a corrupt bubbling pot of divorce, loss of job, fed up of being treated like an idiot and fed up of being the underdog.

In arguably Michael Douglas' best role, he shines as a burnt out man on the edge desperately veering between doing the right thing and not being the bad guy, but through his actions becoming that which he despises-the bad guy.

Supported by an outstanding cast (again Robert Duvall in a subdued yet spot on performance as the quiet detective who has enough) and a razor sharp script, Falling Down stands testament as an engrossing film and one that creates questions long after teh credits have rolled.

Highly recommended.