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Falling Down
1993 113 min United States of America, France R 12+
★7.4
Crime, Drama, Thriller
Director: Joel Schumacher
Trailers
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Description
An ordinary man frustrated with the various flaws he sees in society begins to psychotically and violently lash out against them.
Budget:
$25M
US Gross:
$40.9M
Worldwide:
$40.9M
Starring
Michael Douglas
Actor
Robert Duvall
Actor
Barbara Hershey
Actor
Awards
Cannes Film Festival 1993
— Palme d'Or
Key opinion
Falling Down is widely regarded as a provocative character study that explores themes of societal alienation and the breakdown of the American dream through the eyes of a frustrated, crumbling man. While opinions vary on the narrative's depth and tonal consistency, Michael Douglas's portrayal of the protagonist remains the film's defining and most praised element.
| Acting | Michael Douglas delivers a uniquely potent and unsettling performance that anchors the film's erratic narrative. | |
| Screenplay | The script offers a sharp, nuanced exploration of systemic failure and the frustration inherent in modern societal expectations. | |
| Cinematography | The film utilizes effective, sharp cinematography to capture the sweltering, claustrophobic atmosphere of Los Angeles. | |
| Theme | Interpretations of the film's moral core are mixed: some view it as an empathetic look at a man pushed to his limits, while others interpret it as a cautionary tale against destructive, fascist-leaning rage. | |
| Direction | The film's tonal shifts between dark comedy and gritty thriller are polarizing, leading some to find the experience uneven or overly theatrical. |