Post by doomedbloodwork on Oct 11, 2004 11:17:34 GMT -5
The undercurrent of hatred in some circles over the years, the most obvious example being 9/11, was personified in spectacular fashion in a Hollywood production which was as anti-studio establishment as anything the one in question (Warner Bros) churned out and harked back to the courageous examples of the early 70's (A CLOCKWORK ORANGE, PERFORMANCE, DELIVERANCE and so on)
Michael Douglas is a white-collar worker en route, sitting in an LA traffic jam at the outset of the film. His window doesn't open due to a broken lever, the heat is unbearable and just as things get so bad, he gets out his car and walks away, telling a driver behind him that he's 'going home'.
A few cars away, Lt. Prendergast (Robert Duvall) is on his way to work for his last day before retirement. He sees a billboard with a chad inside a woman's bra on an advert with a bubble saying 'HELP!', whilst in his mirror he sees a police biker arrive near Douglas' abandoned car. Prendergast goes to investigate and helps remove the car from the lane, whilst noticing the unusual numberplate - D-FENS.
Douglas calls home to his family, but runs out of change and goes to a nearby convenience store, where he gets into an argument over change with the Korean shop owner and snaps in the process.....
...and that is about all I will say at this point, simply because this is such a pleasant surprise to behold from so many established names and a star cast who revel in their against-type performances. It isn't easy on the eye, but there is such a refreshingly simple idea expanded in such an intelligent way at the heart of FALLING DOWN that you are held in thrall at what could develop. It is a well-structured story which has such a valid point to say about city life and the problems and troubles it creates.
A key film of the 90's.
Michael Douglas is a white-collar worker en route, sitting in an LA traffic jam at the outset of the film. His window doesn't open due to a broken lever, the heat is unbearable and just as things get so bad, he gets out his car and walks away, telling a driver behind him that he's 'going home'.
A few cars away, Lt. Prendergast (Robert Duvall) is on his way to work for his last day before retirement. He sees a billboard with a chad inside a woman's bra on an advert with a bubble saying 'HELP!', whilst in his mirror he sees a police biker arrive near Douglas' abandoned car. Prendergast goes to investigate and helps remove the car from the lane, whilst noticing the unusual numberplate - D-FENS.
Douglas calls home to his family, but runs out of change and goes to a nearby convenience store, where he gets into an argument over change with the Korean shop owner and snaps in the process.....
...and that is about all I will say at this point, simply because this is such a pleasant surprise to behold from so many established names and a star cast who revel in their against-type performances. It isn't easy on the eye, but there is such a refreshingly simple idea expanded in such an intelligent way at the heart of FALLING DOWN that you are held in thrall at what could develop. It is a well-structured story which has such a valid point to say about city life and the problems and troubles it creates.
A key film of the 90's.
