Falling Down

Probably one of the only Joel Schumacher films that I really like. Poor Joel lost a lot of street cred when he put nipples on the batman suit. How laughable. The opening moments of this film are enough to drive anyone crazy. It’s crafty so beautifully with the slow pans and tilts around the crowded freeway. The claustrophobic shots inside the car and accompanying doldrums music also intensify the mood. And then the fly, Garfield, and random object montage pushes Michael and us over the edge. He flees on foot, abandoning his car, proclaiming that he has “go home”. I like the contrast shown from Robert Duvall’s perspective, who is laughing at graffiti on billboard signs and enjoying the timeout from the day’s hustle and bustle.

Falling Down Trailer

The story follows Michael Douglas who is an average Joe that becomes fed up with the urban world around him. He tries to set things right (at least what he sees as right in his own mind). He makes loud statements on how the world is screwing over the little and how America has become a melting pot for filth and lowlifes. He destroys a convenience store where everything is overpriced, attacks a burger joint for not serving breakfast 2 minutes after 11:30, and gives gang members a taste of their own medicine. It’s nice to watch someone stick up for the little guy every once and a while.

The film is filled with hilarious moments and over the top characters. I personally love the general in the war store as he helps Michael make a boot selection. “Make your move Mary.” Classic. Throughout the movie there are random funny moments like that that make it so worth watching. This is a great film to watch with the guys or your father-in-law. It’s amazing. And Michael Douglas is probably my favorite actor, so that helps too,

Rating: 9.25/10