Falling Down (1993)

 

Genre: Crime/ Action

Time: 1h 53mins

Director: Joel Schumacher

Quick Summary: An ordinary man frustrated with the various flaws he sees in society begins to psychotically and violently lash out against them.

Man, this is so underrated and so ahead of its time. 

Michael Douglas is the star and absolutely steals it. He is a powerhouse. What is so interesting about Douglas's character, as written and played, is the core of sadness that surrounds him. He seems weary and confused, and in his actions, he unconsciously breaks apart society's flaws in fits of anger. Though he still seems to think he is doing a good thing, pointing out these to people and standing up for himself. 

This film screams with tension. From the very get-go, the viewer is chucked into an incredibly tense scene. In every scene, the camera is swung around rapidly at things, but it always focuses on our main character so we can not only watch every single thing he does wrong but in the hope that you may justify his actions.

There is a bit of a racist undertone with some of his actions too, even if he isn't meaning to, I feel like he'd be the type of guy to say "I'm not racist but...". When he reaches his snapping point, you feel it. You understand it. But still, you know he is not a good guy, and I find that impressive. Without spoiling the ending, it feels like a relief, not just because of the events that were happening, but for the main character. 

I like the snappy pacing. It was quick and kept moving. The humour I liked a lot too, though you shouldn't really be laughing at the things that happen, you can't help up find it a bit funny. This isn't violent for violence's sake either, to me a lot of it felt justified and somewhat a reasonable response for someone like this guy in a situation like this. Anybody could be pushed to this limit with the right events.

This is a must-see! The plot is simple when you really think about it, it doesn't really stretch itself too far but it is full of social commentary. No point does it drag, or go too slow. Everything seems to flow nicely and nothing is rushed.

9/10

"You think I'm a thief? Oh, you see, I'm not the thief. I'm not the one charging 85 cents FOR A STINKING SODA! You're the thief! I'm just standing up for my rights as a consumer."

"Bill Foster: There's other people who want to use the phone?

Annoying Man at Phone Booth: That's right, you selfish asshole.

Bill Foster: Well, that's too bad. Because you know what?

Bill Foster: [firing a submachine gun into the phone booth] I think it's out of order."