Joel
Schumacher is not, by any stretch of the
imagination, a good director. He's simply not.
Yet, almost despite him, "Falling Down" is one
of my favorite films of all-time thanks to a
stellar performance by Michael Douglas and a
captivating script.
"Falling Down" is the story of William Forster
(Douglas), an unemployed defense work...an
average American with a few joys but many more
struggles as he tries to survive. William is
just trying to make it to Venice for his
daughter's birthday party...but every obstacle
in the world is getting in his way. Along the
way, William begins to crack under the constant
everyday harassment of people, circumstances and
life itself until he begins acquiring weapons
and, ultimately, begins fighting back.
Parallel to William's story is that of a
retiring cop, Prendergast, played by Robert
Duvall. Prendergast is retiring for his wife and
is obviously unhappy about it. Perhaps this
film's only weakness is its climax...under the
deep emotions of both individuals involved here
I wanted more...in fact, I needed more YET, once
again, the performances of Duvall and Douglas
kept this scene from failing. I can't help but
believe that under another director it could
have been so much more.
Supporting performances are offered by Barbara
Hershey, Tuesday Weld, Fredric Forrest and D.W.
Moffatt in a smaller role. The film has several
memorable scenes, however, if one sees "Falling
Down" as simply a "man against the system" film
I think we're missing the point. "Falling Down"
is about the way we are becoming obsolete in
each other's lives and in society. I dare say
that I identified with William along his path,
and fantasized about some of his responses.
Watching him explode reminded me how, on
occasion, I have this absolute desire to explode
and confront and fight back. I don't...I don't
because society has taught me not to, but is
there this point where humanity is bound to
crack due to our absence of compassion, our
absence of humanity? Sometimes, I wonder.
The film is rather simplistic in terms of its
production design, but this works effectively
considering the story. Douglas' haircut bothered
me for the longest time, yet even his haircut, I
believe, represents his years of submission to
society. The score works well with the film, and
I found the cinematography to exhibit an
effective use of shading and black/white
imagery.
As I said when I began, Joel Schumacher is not a
good director. Yet, as a minister I can't help
but believe that miracles do happen. "Falling
Down," a stellar film, is Joel Schumacher's
miracle.
© Written by
Richard Propes
TC Candler's Comment
N/A
Jacob
Hall's Comment
N/A
