Falling Down

1993, Action, 1h 55m

55 Reviews 50,000+ Ratings

critics consensus

Falling Down's popcorn-friendly take on its complex themes proves disquieting -- and ultimately fitting for a bleakly entertaining picture of one man's angry break with reality. Read critic reviews

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Awesome!

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Falling Down Photos

Falling Down (1993)

Falling Down (1993)

Falling Down (1993)

Falling Down (1993)

Falling Down (1993)

Falling Down (1993)

Falling Down (1993)

Falling Down (1993)

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Movie Info

A middle-aged man dealing with both unemployment and divorce, William Foster (Michael Douglas) is having a bad day. When his car breaks down on a Los Angeles highway, he leaves his vehicle and begins a trek across the city to attend his daughter's birthday party. As he makes his way through the urban landscape, William's frustration and bitterness become more evident, resulting in violent encounters with various people, including a vengeful gang and a dutiful veteran cop (Robert Duvall).

Rating:

R
Genre:

Action
Original Language:

English
Director:

Joel Schumacher
Producer:

Timothy Hyde Harris, Arnold Kopelson, Herschel Weingrod
Writer:

Ebbe Roe Smith
Release Date (Theaters):

Feb 26, 1993 wide
Release Date (Streaming):

Aug 15, 2000
Box Office (Gross USA):

$40.4M
Runtime:

1h 55m
Distributor:

Warner Bros.
Sound Mix:

Surround, Dolby SR

Cast & Crew

Michael Douglas
William Foster, D-Fens

Robert Duvall
Prendergast

Barbara Hershey
Beth

Rachel Ticotin
Detective Sandra

Tuesday Weld
Amanda Prendergast

Frederic Forrest
Nick, Surplus Store Owner

Show all Cast & Crew

News & Interviews for Falling Down

1993’s Falling Down is an Eerie Reflection of Modern America’s Persecution Complex

Critic Reviews for Falling Down

All Critics (55) | Top Critics (14) | Fresh (41) | Rotten (14)

Full Review… Jonathan Rosenbaum Chicago Reader

Full Review… Richard Schickel TIME Magazine

Full Review… Variety Staff Variety

Full Review… David Ansen Newsweek

Full Review… Caryn James New York Times

Full Review… Ali Barclay BBC.com

Full Review… Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com

Full Review… Barbara Shulgasser Common Sense Media

Full Review… Tom Meek Cambridge Day

Full Review… Sergio Benítez Espinof

Full Review… David Nusair Reel Film Reviews

Full Review… Mark Amory The Spectator

View All Critic Reviews (55)

Audience Reviews for Falling Down

Oct 06, 2019

While not a perfect picture, Schumacher and Douglas' take on modern man's disassociation resonates in spite of the gratuitous liberties taken, and delivers a sobering snapshot of a protagonist completely oblivious of having crossed the line by more than 'just a little'. Good stuff, and the best work I've seen from Michael Douglas.

Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
Sep 15, 2013

One of the best films ever, truly a master piece, I love it to bits. It wasted no time going straight into action. I can't express how much I loved this film. Falling Down is about a average Joe who got fed up with the amount of problems he sees in this world (USA) and decided to act on it. The acting from Michael Douglas was probably his best, he completely immersed himself with his character. I love the subtle symbols in the film as well, the dialogue was amazing, I loved everything in this film and I could just watch it again and again. My favourite part was probably the slow deterioration of his mentality through the changing weapon of choice. This is a must see.

Sylvester K Super Reviewer
Nov 29, 2011

The ending may fall flat, but the rest of the movie has some good acting and direction from Schumacher, who manages to make a film that isn't terrible. Michael Douglas plays a very original character. Overall, I was impressed.

Stephen E Super Reviewer
Oct 17, 2011

You will never find a film which can define our reality like 'Falling Down'. It shows our society, along with most of its problems, of how we are slowly falling apart. With a strong story and brilliant performance by Michael Douglas, this film will make you see more clearly with the world around you.

Samuel R Super Reviewer

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