Plot: What’s it about?
Did you ever have one of those days when nothing was going your way? Did you ever want to just get out of your car, start assaulting anyone who got in your way and have no regard for your actions? Ok, probably not in regards to the latter question. Still, though, that’s the essential plot in Falling Down which I can still remember seeing in theaters some thirty years ago. At the time, Michael Douglas was still riding his hot streak from the previous year’s “Basic Instinct” but unlike his co-star of that film, Sharon Stone, Michael Douglas had a career (and a Best Actor Oscar) before that little film. Joel Schumacher’s brilliant along with Ebbe Roe Smith’s screenplay combined to make this more of a Network of sorts for the 1990’s. Just how far can one man bend before he finally snaps? We find the answer to that question.
William “D-FENS” (Michael Douglas) has been laid off from his job. Yet he still gives the illusion of going to work every day, briefcase and all. He’s stuck in LA gridlock, construction workers doing their thing and all of the sudden it happens. He turns his car off, gets out and starts his voyage to see his daughter on her birthday. But it’s what happens between the two points that makes the movie interesting. He encounters a Korean store owner who won’t give him change to make a phone call (this was before cell phones, remember) so he trashes the store. He encounters a gang and manages to get their bag of guns and he waltzes through a golf course giving another man a heart attack. All the while Det. Martin Prendergast (Robert Duvall) is retiring, but decides to pursue just one more lead. Will William make it home in time for his daughter’s birthday or will Prendergast get his man for the last time?
Falling Down is one of those movies that has really improved with time. It’s not like it was bad when it initially came out, but like Network the film serves as some sort of historical reminder that every man has their breaking point. Though William never really means anyone any actual harm in the film, he does act and think in a way that most of us don’t. Quite simply, there are rules that we’re all meant to follow and no matter how justified one’s intentions are; breaking those rules should have consequences. Though this is mainly Michael Douglas’ show, the supporting cast is fairly good as well. Namely Robert Duvall, who has his own demons with his wife (Tuesday Weld). If, by some chance, this movie has been eluded by you then there’s no time like the present to give it a shot, pardon the pun.
Video: How does it look?
Having seen this movie on pretty much every format available (VHS, LaserDisc and standard DVD), it’s been quite some time since Warner’s 2009 Blu-ray. We now have this in with a fully remastered 4K image that showcases the grit and beauty of Los Angeles. Detail is vastly improved over the other versions and since most of the action takes place outside during the day (the film takes place over the course of a morning and afternoon), there’s not a lot of “dark spots” that might lend to a fault in the image. The little beads of sweat on the character’s faces, the movement of the gas fumes in the air and the little nuances are all visible that give life to this film. I went in with my expectations low, but this transfer is top notch.
Audio: How does it sound?
We’re presented with two audio tracks: a LPCM 2.0 track as well as a DTS HD Master Audio 4.0 mix. Yes, that’s right – 4.0. No LFE and a matrixed front channel. Still, it works. This isn’t a flashy sound mix by any means as most of the action is environmental. Still, James Newton Howard’s score helps propel the film and as the tension mounts, it’s a most satisfying experience. Vocals are smooth and crisp, seemingly to mask the rage that our anti-hero is facing throughout the film. It’s a good-sounding track.
Supplements: What are the extras?
We get some legacy supplements along with a few new ones courtesy of Arrow.
- Audio Commentary – We start off with a very incisive commentary by director Joel Schumacher and Michael Douglas. The two work well together with Schumacher taking the lead on most everything. It’s a good and energetic track.
- Deconstructing D-Fens: A Discussion with Michael Douglas – which is just that. Douglas gives us the low down on his character, thoughts on the screenplay and why he chose to do the part. It’s good and leaves us longing for just a bit more.
- Man on the Edge – This new supplement profiles actor Ebbe Rowe Smith who is billed only as “guy on freeway” in the film.
- At War with the World – Another new supplement is an interview with acclaimed composer James Newton Howard.
- Theatrical Trailers
- Image Gallery
The Bottom Line
Falling Down eerily predicted the future with people “losing it.” It’s not a good thing, but Michael Douglas’ performance is among his best. We see the transformation from a seemingly normal man to vigilante in a matter of hours. Arrow’s 4K disc gives us a new picture, new sound mix and some new supplements to boot. You can retire the 2009 Warner Blu-ray now.
