Falling Down (1993)

My Review

Michael Douglas plays an unemployed divorced man dealing with all kinds of modern-day urban woes in “Falling Down.” When his car breaks down on a hot day on a Los Angeles freeway, he abandons the car and starts walking across town to his daughter’s birthday party, despite a restraining order. Along the way, he encounters problems with a fast food joint where he is denied breakfast, an altercation with a street gang, a dispute with a Korean shop clerk over prices, and more.

Director Joel Schumacher (“The Incredible Shrinking Woman” 1981) constructed an engrossing action thriller and psychological drama which depicts many of today’s problems in America in an encapsulated form. The performances of Michael Douglas in the lead role and Robert Duvall as a retiring police detective were simply outstanding. Co-stars include Barbara Hershey, Tuesday Weld, Lois Smith, Frederick Forrest, and Marlo Thomas as a KTLA reporter. The very watchable “Falling Down” was popular in theatrical release for Regency Enterprises, Le Studio Canal+, Alcor Films, and Warner Bros. Pictures.