One of the best movies of all time.....except the real bad guy is his wife. The "single mom"....the lowest form of life on earth!!! All he wanted was to see his daughter on her birthday. But she was such a c&%t....she wouldn't let him.
As a 17yr old introvert with a flat top & a short fuse back in 1993 when this released it struck a chord… As a 45yr old now in 2021 watching this in the modern world I can genuinely understand the character response. It would only take one step over the edge to see this sort of thing a reality. A truly underrated movie. Bravo! 👌🏼👍🏼🇦🇺😎
@@Shadow__133 Yeah, do that for your own sake. Living in a basement can`t be good for your mental health. If you mean for me, do not bother, i live in mountains far away from all you wackos. XD
For a while, Falling Down was my favorite movie. After watching it several times, I finally realized that the movie is about the fall of the American Dream. The American Dream included a job, a family with children, a house, a car, and a dog. As we go through the movie, we learn that William Foster loses his job, his family, his house with a dog, and the last thing he loses is his car. Consequently, he has nothing to lose but his life. Throughout the movie, he lashes at the vicious world with the same viciousness, trying to gain what he lost. But, in the end, he loses the last thing he had - his life. The final scene at the pier has always squeezed my throat.
Spot on. He cracks under the pressure and won't back down for anything. A dangerous decision. He's going to see his little girl on her birthday, give her the present, and everybody's going to be happy. And it's that or death for him. Bit like a terrorist, really. And every new roadblock that he encounters, he feels justified to blast it out of the way if asking nicely doesn't work. I've started thinking that there's a truly prophetic line in this film: "I'm an American. You are an asshole." Which is what you hear from republicans and democrats alike about eachother in the US today.
@drolgh8 I think at the end douglas' acting is so good because he is regressing into childhood before he dies, because it was likely his only happy time. He no longer appears vigilante but childlike.
My cousin and aunt are in this film. My aunt plays the stripper that comes out of Prendergast's cake and my cousin plays Bill Foster's daughter, Adele. I remember watching this film relatively young and thinking, "Wow, I don't understand how somebody snaps like that." But as I age, I can understand how Bill's character can resonate with the lost generation of a hollowed out American middle class. Here's a funny story about Kirk Douglas from right around the filming of this movie. Shortly after the filming of the movie wrapped my aunt, uncle and cousin saw Kirk Douglas at a restaurant out in the L.A. area and my uncle told my cousin, "Hey, remember the man who plays your daddy in the movie? HIS DADDY is sitting right over there! (pointing to Kirk) Why don't you go say hi?" my cousin (still about 6 1/2 years old) approached Kirk and said, "you're my daddy's daddy!" and Kirk looks completely shocked responding, "WAIT, WHAT?!?!" my aunt ran over to explain that Michael was PLAYING her daddy in a movie. 😂 my family teases Joey about this to this day.
A black or latino woman loses her job because of her aggressive white male patriarchal boss, then goes onto a predominantly white male bashing trip spree, only to receive counselling for her crimes. During that time she identifies with an SJW street protestor who both have similar feelings (ref to Not economically viable black dude.) In the meantime instead of seeing Hitler face at the Disposal store we see Orangemanbad face that causes her to go berserk and kill the white male store owner. Plus random SJW interjections of Climate Change, Same sex marriage and other countless stupid narratives being pushed.
@@TCFan30 nanana man...he was plain simple collar guy who had enough of the traffic and went from there...remember he hadn't been employed for months??
@@TCFan30 the irony is his wife lie on him. he was never violent to her or his daughter. but he's a white male and his wife fucked him big time... cause she is a woman, and she has all the power.
DEFINITELY a hidden gem and masterpiece of a movie ! A t that time, and I remember it well, it was the ageing WASP not understanding the changes of the Nineties. BIGGEST CHANGE - computers in the workplace. I was 25 at the time and had been working for three years full time. A guy Michael Douglas age worked next to me. He said " because you and another 3 people like you' were hired, 10 of is were made redundant". These guys couldn't or more accurately wouldn't use computers ! The world was coming out of a Recession. A hard working white guy who is in his 40's. When he loses his job. That job is, and then instantly WAS the ONLY thing he haD as an emotional anchor. The end of his job IS the end of him. This sums up the end of the United States after the Cold War. His r'ship with his wife and child is shitville. His character is lost . . . completely lost. I'm now the exact age as Michael Douglas in the movie. I don't have any children (phew . . . I dodged a bullet) but I am divorced. I'm NOT that angry BUT I have friends who are! One of my friends does mention this movie . . . often. That's the brilliance of this movie. It directly applies to you. . . . bloody masterpiece !!!
One of the best movies of all time.....except the real bad guy is his wife. The "single mom"....the lowest form of life on earth!!! All he wanted was to see his daughter on her birthday. But she was such a c&%t....she wouldn't let him.
I love this movie. It is all about resistance, which someone once called the secret of joy. It took me a while to realize that his weaponry advanced (upgraded) throughout the film, like in a video game. And then when he got to the boss battle he switched out his gun for the toy. It's a beautifully drawn stripping away of the illusion of civilization. Please tell Mr. Douglas his performance is appreciated.
This movie really stayed in my head. I understood the frustration. It remains as a cautionary tale for what happens when you hold emotions in too much.
This film is a perfect example of how a good and effective story with stellar acting doesn't need to be a big special effects extravaganza in order to be a hit
Retail is nothing. Try a 4 year stint in the military followed by 11 years in the RV business. By the end I used to wake up every day wondering if I would be arrested that day for assaulting someone. Luckily I got out of that industry but I'll tell you, rv work is much, MUCH worse. I know, I worked Retail for 3 years so I have a reference.
Joel Schumacher: "When we are asked if Michael Douglas' character is the good guy or the bad guy, the answer is 'yes'." That's what makes this movie so brilliant, in my opinion.
I think he is the good guy, that got a shitty deal. He did everything right and still got kicked in the teeth. That's truly how it is. The most profound line in the movie is " I'm the bad guy?". Both wives are bitches and the streets are full of criminals and scumb, yet he's labeled the bad guy. Real life right there.
Actually, the answer is no. He’s obviously not the bad guy. Bad guys are the real criminals. But he’s obviously not the good guy because good guys don’t go around shooting people.
Great story, well told. Foster had been pushed past his breaking point, and unleashed his id in order to protect himself from everything hostile to him. Top-notch!
Also "the grenade" is an M72 Anti-tank Rocket. While not effective against modern tanks, the use has be switched to be used against light targets such as light armored vehicles, buildings, and bunkers. In Afghanistan it was frequently used to create a hole in a mud or morter brick wall.
@@KyleGD yes but back in the day it was very polarizing to a lot of people including critics because of how original the story was and some didn’t like how Micheal Douglas’s character finally “Snapped “. It wasn’t until much later that people started to appreciate the story and understood and empathized with the character because of how relatable he is.
Other best lines: "Have you ever heard the expression 'The customer is always right'?" "You forgot the fuckin' briefcase!!" "I am just disagreeing with you!!" "I'm the bad guy?" "Not Economically Viable"
I totally LOVE this movie. This is my absolute favorite movie of all times. The layers it has, the acting, the cast, the story, the characters, their personality and construction... It's a masterpiece (for me).
I just watched this movie for the first time this past weekend. I saw a clip and noticed Douglas and thought the scene was very interesting. I actually thought this was going to be a lawyer type movie from watching a small clip on youtube. I had no clue about the synopsis but was blown away by the interesting thoughts and feeling the score and dialogue had in just a small 20 second clip. After watching the movie, I think this is a masterpiece. I want to learn more about Michael Douglas because of this film. I could've cared less about the man, but the commentary and execution of the character was so well done. So many interesting ideas and feelings expressed. As you have said, this film offers an amazing amount of creative inspiration. Great film and thanks for researching this more.
The thing i always LOVED about this movie is that you take the journey with Douglas' chatacter ALL THE WAY through to the climax at the pier - you get to feel WITH HIM the sudden realization that he has actually been rather unreasonable in his actions/reactions throughout the course of the film, even THOUGH his sense of outrage at the behavior of the people around him (and society's influence upon them - AND himself) seemed justified up to that point.
Ikr? It's his movie..the charachter. Sure, you have his ex, Barbara Hershey is always a silver screen pro..and child and the excellent job done by Robert Duvall, the detective. But, this film is a standout, bc it follows the downward pirouette of a once normal guy..bad things came along...he went with them, instead of holding the line of sanity. And along with that..the quality: Script, atmosphere, acting, score, production..all spot on.
@steveb0503 Then you swallowed the propaganda hook, line, and sinker. The feeling he had wasn't unreasonable, but you buying that it was maintains the status quo. This is why nothing has changed and even more people relate to the character - you're not allowed to threaten the status quo without being "the bad guy".
@u4iadreams All I will say is that pulling out a gun and waving it around, threatening people at a fast-food restaurant because YOU thought breakfast SHOULD still be available, or launching an RPG into a construction zone because YOU were inconvenienced - shouldn't EVER be perceived as "reasonable".
It's a great film concept altogether. I was 20 when this first came out and loved this movie for the entertainment purposes. Great writing, great acting and a great story. The older I got when I watched it again and again, i realize it's meant to hit the crowds going through a generation crisis. We're all told to adapt or die as we get older. Michael Douglas character chose the latter. Sadly a lot of people have chosen that path in real life and that's why I think this movie ages really well. It has it's comedic parts, but the overall story is a cross between drama and horror. Definitely Michael Douglas' best work ever 👍
The best part of this movie is how he interacts with kids. He truly loves kids/families cause all he wants is his….the scene with the law bazooka, he’s super nice to the kid teaching him how to use it and he even protects him shielding him from the blast when he accidentally shoots it the wrong way…..
"Yeah...Now you're gonna Die wearing that Stupid hat!" 😆😆👍🏻 I liked Falling Down, Michael Douglass did a Great job with the Character, as did Robert Duvall.
For the life of me, I can't still fathom why my parents allowed me to watch such dense movies as a kid: Platoon, Alien, The Elephant Man, Falling Down... Thanks to them my love of movies flourished (and no trauma by those themes at early age) and Falling Down has been since then one of my fondest memories about cinema. Falling Down is a masterpiece on its own. I do agree that this is Michael Douglas's best role!
Time traveler? No. The Foster character seemed like someone who spent his life in a work bubble, defending the country. In the military, then as an aerospace engineer. Then due to being laid off and his car breaking down, he saw what he spent his life defending. The reality of what he sacrificed his life for was too much. His sacrifice was unappreciated and he could have focused on getting rich. Walter White is a modern version of Foster. A smart man who snapped.
But, we don't know if he served in the military. He probably didn't, given his age would have likely put him in college getting his engineering degree during the Vietnam War.
@@AndrewOvenden When he shoots the drive by guy in the leg, he said, "You missed. I missed, take some shooting lessons asshole". Well he didn't miss, he nailed the guy in the leg. Pretty good shot. He must have had lessons. I agree that it is speculation his lessons were in the military. But not everyone went to Vietnam. I worked with a guy who was a "Button Pusher" (missiles) in Germany. He used his GI Bill to get an education. So military or maybe a shooting club. He had D FENS on his license plate, so he was a super patriot who saw what he defended go to hell.
I definitely need to see a certain Foo Fighters music video now. PS Thanks for showing us what Laserdiscs actually looked like in your The Stand review!
Nice sunglasses, Hoss! I loved your backdrop of frivilobilia. This was a fresh insight into this movie, Falling Down, an American classic that hits nerve. It always takes a foreigner to access the American culture properly, just like De Toqueville did for the early United States. Nice work!
That scene where the " Not Economically Viable" protester yells out to William Foster: " Dont forget me!" Always hit me even as a kid. You see two guys who at first glance, seem world's apart but quickly you understand they are one in the same as far as being spit on, just trying to do your job and being a good person.
It's one of my favorite movies - I tell any people about it if they've not heard if it. Mind you one person thought it was bad that I liked a movie about one man's breakdown.
It should be considered a cultural classic. I think this story represents a fantasy many of us would like to act out, but rarely do, because of our inhibitions and fear of consequences. I got bullied a lot in school, and got to see all the bullies and racists get all the girls while I ended up finishing last. Later on in college I still could not attract girls. I had a lot of inner rage. So I could really relate to Michael Douglas in that movie. It's kind of a twist in the end when he says, "I'm the bad guy?"
"I'd like some breakfast" "You're in luck, sir! It's no longer 1993, and McDonald's has been serving all-day breakfast for almost a decade!" "...Neat."
The worst part about Falling Down is the way it portrays social interactions and economics of the age and how accurate it seems and how things only seems to have gotten worse.
I was 43 when I first saw this movie. I had been married to the love of my life, Marie for about 4 years. She was 13 years younger than me and looked like Princess Diane's sister. My entire life had been very hard for me starting back when I was 9. This became my favorite movie and it was scary because I could see myself playing the role in real life with just the right push. But the thing that really creeped me out was his wife saying that his daughter and her were doing just fine without him. This was too close to home because towards the end of our 22-year marriage I found myself trying to tell Marie that I think her and our son would be better off without me. This was a reference to suicide but she never picked up on it. Then on Valentine's Day 2011 I got served with divorce papers and a restraining order. She had discarded me like so much refuse. I had done very well owning a small car dealership. We wanted for nothing and lived in a half million dollar home back when that kind of money really bought something nice. But she lied in court about me and I lost everything in the divorce and went from well off to poverty stricken and have lived that way for 11 years now. When I first watched this movie back in 93, I almost became physically ill from what his wife said to him. I couldn't imagine the kind of pain that character would have felt by that until I was discarded. But I never felt a desire for violence towards her. But I could sure understand why the character in the movie might. Losing my marriage to the love of my life after 22 years left me with a couple burgers short of a Happy meal. I would never have hurt my wife but I'm very thankful to God that I didn't take my pain out on others like in the movie cuz it would have been a lot easier than I think. But for 7 years after being served, I was able to forgive and my head was getting screwed on right. I can tell you I'm lucky to be alive and I mean that literally. I was no longer angry with God whom I actually cursed. The God of the Bible truly saved my body, my life and my soul. I had forgotten all about this movie until I started watching some of these clips on RUclips. I guess I had forgotten about how close I came to ending up in jail or losing my soul. I still live in poverty but I want for nothing because God is my provider. I once was worth a million dollars now I live on less than $1,000 a month. But I'm thankful for a roof over my head and a warm bed, flush toilets and hot water, every meal and a voice to sing praises to my Lord and Savior. I once had it all and just wanted more. But today I'm thankful for every little thing. I'm 71 years old now and almost died from covid. I guess God is not done with me yet. So, the movie? There for the grace of God go I.
dude that was a heavy read. Sorry to hear what you have gone through, it is harder than most of us will ever experience in our lives. I hope that your find comfort in the remaining years walking this Earth. God bless.
I read your story. I am glad you came out through the darkness and into the light. It's really good to talk to someone who will listen and value your story. If you keep it bottled up like a coke can and you shake it up, you know what happens when you open it. I have worked on cruise ships for 22 years and on one cruise on the Queen Mary 2, one of the chefs jumped overboard in the Atlantic enroute to Halifax. Into cold waters where you succumb to hypothermia in minutes. He came from Chile. His wife and kids left him and he found out while onboard. He left a note that he had nothing to live for. No one knew. Maybe we could have listened and helped. We all have our breaking point.
The Heavy Metal Band, Iron Maiden, the lead singer Blaze Bailey who replaced the old singer Bruce Dickinson between 93- 94 wrote a song about this movie, Falling Down! It was called.Man on the Edge! If anybody has never listened to Maiden Before I suggest you start & listen to this song??? Iron Maiden usually writes song about. Movies, Political Dogma, History, like the Spanish Inquisition, WW I, WWII, Religion, Science Fiction like DUNE, Poems & the list goes on............
@@javierburgos7 They assumed that about him - but even the movie itself says he was never violent towards his wife or child (the wife explicitly says that in the movie) It's another bad assumption and misunderstanding of the movie.
A society that pokes fun at people down on their luck, police who try to provoke you for a reaction, different Justice systems for rich and poor, I'm surprised this doesn't happen more often. I have been on the edge of snapping and it's a scary feeling, cuz you know there is no return. I just know to avoid the situations, but you still have to deal with the DMV every year LOL
3 months ago I spent half a day at the CA DMV to get my 'Real ID'. Took written test, fingerprints, photo, passport, birth certificate, utility bills, proof of residency, etc. Now they mailed me my 'renewal' for my drivers license, and I'm required to repeat all of it. Only 6 months later. Gotta LOVE the DMV.
i snapped once ... now im estranged from my family because of my actions (after which i spent 45 minutes just starring into nothingness wondering how it was that i had been so easily able to cause such harm as i was raised in a Zen-Taoist household) ... that happened when i was 16 ... im approaching 42 now and am still scared of what i was capable of
They gave you something else to worry about. Right now you are thankful that you get up, go to work, and can pay your bills. They made snapping that little bit further away. You ever contemplate what life without a system of money would be like? The only way is to be like one of the rich, making people chase it even more. But, no matter how much you have, someone has made sure that they own all of it in the first place..
I love that I found your channel Minty. Been rewatching a lot of the old classics because of it. The one thing that caught my attention in this one is all the symbolism. A lot of it is in the background grafitti and posters (i love you daddy), but some are more in the center of things. Like "Defense". It gives the movie a depth I totally missed back when it was released.
You beat me to it. Was about to say, "Trivial?!?" Missing the McDonald's breakfast hours, especially by 5 minutes which IIRC is how late he was, is hardly a trivial matter and absolutely warrants a severe response.
Both of the Whammy Burger employees were feature actors in a Seinfeld episode. She played "Victoria" in "The Opposite" episode and the manager played "the sidler" in "The Merv Griffin Show" episode.
I love this movie but a real sadness hangs over the entirety of the film. Some films don't age well but this film kind of stands up to the current world we live in
One note, when you describe him as terrifying his ex-wife, there's an important line in the movie. When the cop asks her if he had ever attacked her, she stops and mumbles, "well, no". He has a temper, but was never a violent man. His wife's decision to file a restraining order despite him not having ever used violence before, likely meaning she lied in court, is written as a major part of his decline. Blame lies on his wife to a signifcant extent, because she exploited her power as a woman to destroy his family life with no personal repurcussions.
Somehow you've taken a single line and spun it into a tale of a deceitful wife who lied about her husband in court, exploited her power, and destroyed their family while suffering no repercussions herself. Maybe, just maybe she knew what sort of man he was and what he was capable of, and sought the restraining order because she didn't want to wait around to be a victim.
@@AllThingsCubey We aren't given much of anything as far as backstory but those conversations over the phone, and with the cops. We are told that she is afraid of her husband even though he has never laid a hand on her or their daughter. We also know that, for some reason, he blames his mother for their divorce. Finally we know that he hasn't been going to work every morning, but we don't know what he's been doing with his time during the day. Perhaps he has been harassing/stalking his wife as they try to move on with their lives. In any event, that's sufficient for a restraining order. We don't need to assume her lying about a history of violence to conclude that yes, he does have a certain predisposition toward violence. Normal people don't just smash up convenience stores when they're having a bad day.
@@xxcrysad3000xx Are you not yourself spinning a tale. She knows what kind of man he is and what he is capable of? We are all capable of heinous acts, however we don't act on our urges for the most part. She probably lied, he did nothing to warrant a retraining order, it was mere on her say so as a woman.
Good stuff. Thanks. There are so many terrific scenes in the movie, but the "not economically viable" scene struck a particular chord for me. Especially when I realized the man was dressed exactly the same. The white shirt, pants, pen in the pocket and even the tie and haircut. It's like Dfens first saw the guy and was like 'now that's a guy having a nervous breakdown', then slowly realizing that he was the same. The other guy recognized it immediately.
They always said that was a racist "angry white male," but the scene with the African American protester at the bank and his revulsion toward the neo-nazi proprietor of the thrift store (especially when the guy fantasizes that the empty canister of Zyclon-B might be have been used to gas Jews in a Nazi death camp,) disproves that allegation. He was angry because everything he believed in and worked for had "fallen down. He had lost his family and his career despite having played by the rules. He was probably going to kill himself, but first he wanted to see his daughter one last time and give her a birthday present. He doesn't realize just how crazy he has become until he views himself in a videotape he watches in his former home. It startles him and he is ashamed. I don't know if he would (in the state he was in) have killed his wife and daughter before turning the gun on himself. I don't think he would have, but you never know and he didn't get a chance.
@@jamesrogers47 I disagree with you. I definitely think that he was going to kill them and then turn the gun on himself just like the officer said. What really convinces me of it is when he is talking to the family at the golf course. He says that when he gets home they will all "go to sleep in the dark" and that everything will be like it was again. That specific line definitely has a sinister tone to it for me. Maybe he didn't consciously realize that was his ultimate goal, but the movie was really hinting at it in my opinion.
I love this movie. I watch it occasionally because I need to live vicariously through him instead of losing it and doing something myself. Because some days your frustration wants to boil over.
At the time this movie came out I was going through some bad times so when we saw the movie it REALLY disturbed me since I was quietly cheering him on. After the movie, I talked to a lot of people who said that they felt the same way and that was kind of the point of the story. I think that is why the GTA games resonate so well with me and so many others are that it's a way to just get wholesale destruction out of your system without bringing it into reality. I honestly thought most people have forgotten this movie so I very much appreciate your insightful review.
A lot of people felt that way and still do. The point of the movie was that if you feel frustrated by crime, rudeness, disrespect and incompetence, there is something wrong with you. That's why Douglas' character is so exaggerated.
I was 13 when this came out and I totally empathized with him. I not only cheered him on but thought he had it right and everyone else had it wrong. That people allowed the worst traits in humanity to thrive and and were too cowardly to do anything about it.
True true! This movie reflects the inner anger in all of us. How we truly would like to react to all this bullshit and nonsense, while also knowing the disastrous consequences that we would face in doing so. Sadly, this is also why so many school shootings have been happening, because some of the downtrodden just have to release all the built-up anger, not caring about the fact that prison and/or death await them. This movie really makes you question the values of self, society, and sanity.
I love the movie for the same reasons. Ultimately, there’s a primal instinct that we reach as a result of constantly being poked and prodded with a stick.... I think ALL of us want to lash out and that’s why this movie resonates with people so much....the character Michael Douglas plays in the movie is the kind of person you DON’T fuck with in real life.....
Falling down is really the decline of society as we see it today as customer service and products are not what they are suppose to be and people have become more selfish and cynical than before.
@@fml5910the corporatist right is just as bad if not worst. The Federal Reserve Bank as well as the Central Banks in general are one of the worsest tools ever to be invented by mankind.
Falling down is a serious classic. Fantastic for teenage males to watch as they're going through all the angst at that point in their life. My best friend and I watched it around 1996 (we were 16) and we still talk about it today.
I was a teen when this movie debuted, and couldn’t relate to it as I had all the promise in the world to be productive in society. Financially I’m above average, but now I have a different understanding of this film. Once society has chewed you up, and spat you out it makes more sense.
And, talk about **RANGE**, Michael Douglas has it! He plays the nerd-meltdown role to perfection, then went on the play the super-sinister role in "Wall Street"...
I do private armed security and I met Mr. Douglas one night at a Hollywood event. I escorted him to his car. He was really friendly and polite and I told him I was a big fan of Wall Street and Falling Down. Nice guy. Rare in Hollywood. But many of the older generation of actors / actresses are still really humble and friendly to fans and staff. He's one of them.
@@Katzian It does some to advocate communism, but some of these small convenience stores in poor areas do really pretty much rape their consumers with prices that are outrageous. 85 cent for a 50 cent coke. The shop owner bought the coke at wholesale sonit likely cost him 25 cents. Douglass likely did him a favor. Him raping his consumers is just going to cause his competitors to move to that location and give a reasonable deal to people, and he will lose his livelihoo
@@probrickgamer prices are that high to cover the cost of the "shrinkage" that the dude has to put up with in that neighborhood. Did that shopowner look like Mr Moneybags to you? I get your point, but I also understand the economics of some of these places - so many people think "rich store, I can steal this with no problem" and not understand that their stealing IS the problem.
I went to New York in 2003, but we stopped in New Jersey for lunch. I was shocked to see that basic BK combo I got at home for like $4.50 costed nearly $9.00 there. I would hate to see how much it would cost nowadays with inflation, specially as the local prices are getting closer to $9 per combo.
Dude goes after everyone in this movie- rich people, old people, gangsters, panhandlers, fast food workers, road workers, Nazis, cops, it's a great movie
The critical part is the end. Duvall was the hero. ‘They lie to everybody.’ Right or wrong, life sucks. But our challenge is how we react. The anger is frightening. While some of his encounters were justified, many revealed a hair trigger and a sense of self entitlement. I hope you find peace. I too felt like you. But by looking at the only thing that I could change: me and how I react. The serenity of self in a world of crazy is actually better than any drug. Takes time, but we’ll worth the effort.
Probably overlooked and underrated because great movies were coming out frequently in the 90s.In 1993 we Had Jurrassic Park,Schindlers List,The Piano,A Bronx Tale,Carlitos Way,The Age of Innocence,In the Name of the Father,Sleepless in Seattle,Philedelphia,The fugitive,Groundhog Day. Now you might get 2 or 3 ok movies a year
A few good, (indeed great) films in there, but I've got to laugh at the fact that 'Sleepless in Seattle' is in there - a massive turd of a movie. A hateful piece of garbage in every way. I saw it on a North Sea ferry, in a hellish gale (no one could walk, and there was vomit everywhere) and staying in the cinema was a good idea, because it distracted everyone from the awful motion, and I still left - I'd rather roll around in vomit than watch Sleepless in Seattle in other words.
I think it has to do a lot with technology to create and distribute movies becoming widely available and inexpensive, and their effects on the bottom line of production companies, that make Hollywood seem only interested in established properties like Star Wars and Marvel movies. CG has improved to the point where just about any effect or scenario can be created, allowing big budget studios to invest primarily in blockbusters that can make buku profits. However, the cost to create these films means one or two movies that aren’t runaway successes, not even a failure, can bankrupt a studio. I think New Line Cinema was the one who took too big a gamble on two or three movies, one being John Carter, which destroyed them and left them to be bought up.
@warrcc c Without question Tom Hanks is incredible in very nearly every film he's in, and Meg Ryan was not only gorgeous, but could act. I can't remember how good their chemistry was because I hated the film so much, but I've got no reason to doubt that they pulled it off, being as talented as they were.
See the natural progression of weapons also, first shirt and tie, then bat, knife, guns, bazooka, shootout finish. And the symbolism of the other non-ecenomically viable man is also wearing the white shirt and tie, And when he commits his first murder, Nazi Nick, he then shoots an image of himself in the mirror. Bill dies, DFENS takes over, and goes down a dark path, without ever really realizing it, as he asks Robert Duval's character, "How did I become the bad guy?" He is NOT just the bad guy but the Hero, villain, AND victim all in one. Absolutely Great.
Me watching Falling Down as a child: 'what's wrong with this guy?'
Me watching Falling Down as a 30 year old: 'This guys makes a lot of valid points'.
Agree totally.
the older ya get, the more rational he seems
I think everyone wants to take a bazooka to a golf cart
So true
I'd like some breakfast......
My favorite lines: “I’m the bad guy? How did that happen?” … he seems truly bewildered.
He was truly the GOOD guy, but just misunderstood. A man can only take so much crap before he falls of the edge.
I did everything they told me to
@@leganzar7831
You have lie and cheat your way through life to end up like Gates.
One of the best movies of all time.....except the real bad guy is his wife. The "single mom"....the lowest form of life on earth!!! All he wanted was to see his daughter on her birthday. But she was such a c&%t....she wouldn't let him.
@@davidlemaster2034 word and she got him killed in the process
The older this film gets the more relevant it becomes and the more sense it makes.
so true
I completely agree with you....
Exactly and unfortunately so.
It is not the film getting older. It's US getting older and understanding what is going on in the mind of Douglas' character.
As a 17yr old introvert with a flat top & a short fuse back in 1993 when this released it struck a chord…
As a 45yr old now in 2021 watching this in the modern world I can genuinely understand the character response.
It would only take one step over the edge to see this sort of thing a reality.
A truly underrated movie. Bravo! 👌🏼👍🏼🇦🇺😎
Yeah, good thing it's only a movie 😆
@@Shadow__133 Like its not happening in reality all the time, you are just not connecting the dots yet. Ill give you a hint, it will get worse.
@@aleksejjovanovic986 Are you planning something? Should I alert the authorities?
@@Shadow__133 Yeah, do that for your own sake. Living in a basement can`t be good for your mental health. If you mean for me, do not bother, i live in mountains far away from all you wackos. XD
@Shadow 133
are you trolling or are you really that stupid?
I'm not ashamed to say that I think Falling Down might be a near perfect film.
@A dude's thoughts I was like that with Die Hard. My mother refused to let me go to school in bare feet and a singlet.
@Bealzer Mcgraw predergrass's wife is the worst part.
@@blobcity3591 THat's why it's not quite perfect. But it's very close. Watching it in context of 1992/3 America, it shows the tension at that time.
Stephen Crane that die hard comment was funny as hell lmfao
Stephen Crane I can totally understand the character in this movie
The irony is that this movie has more realistic prevalence in this current day than in did at any time before.
Biggerthansnowden.com whistleblower section. Yup! My organized stalkers have had their day.
William Ormsby joker 2019?
White people are still here. Fuck liberals.
we do live in a society
@Greg Pettis , Falling down represents a falling society, in all its aspects.
For a while, Falling Down was my favorite movie. After watching it several times, I finally realized that the movie is about the fall of the American Dream.
The American Dream included a job, a family with children, a house, a car, and a dog. As we go through the movie, we learn that William Foster loses his job, his family, his house with a dog, and the last thing he loses is his car. Consequently, he has nothing to lose but his life. Throughout the movie, he lashes at the vicious world with the same viciousness, trying to gain what he lost. But, in the end, he loses the last thing he had - his life.
The final scene at the pier has always squeezed my throat.
Shit, you nailed that perfectly... the most dangerous man in the world is a man with nothing to lose.
Spot on. He cracks under the pressure and won't back down for anything. A dangerous decision. He's going to see his little girl on her birthday, give her the present, and everybody's going to be happy. And it's that or death for him. Bit like a terrorist, really. And every new roadblock that he encounters, he feels justified to blast it out of the way if asking nicely doesn't work. I've started thinking that there's a truly prophetic line in this film: "I'm an American. You are an asshole." Which is what you hear from republicans and democrats alike about eachother in the US today.
You have to have a life to lose. His life was already gone before the movie started.
@drolgh8 I think at the end douglas' acting is so good because he is regressing into childhood before he dies, because it was likely his only happy time. He no longer appears vigilante but childlike.
@@williammcdowell3718 but he had wheels, man
I loved how he upgraded his weapon throughout the film. His weapon got more deadly as his temperament grew out of control.
It reminded me of progressing thorugh a video game
Until the very last where it was a water pistol.
Lol nope, he used a water pistol in the end 😂
@@alephnull9363 Maybe that plays into the symbolism 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔
Water often has a redemptive quality ....just saying
AGREED. Falling Down is probably Michael Douglas's best work. It's a very under appreciated movie.
Along those same line[: The Game
👍👍
I was about to comment the same! Good taste
The Game is Tight
BLACK RAIN
The game was a great movie!
Hollywood stopped making good movies like this years ago.
Yeah now they just copy and paste the plot, add some cgi and throw in a love story
The Joker seems to be a bit similar
@@the-engneer basically that's it
Yes highly agree . Junk all junk lately . Remember those awesome movies 🎥: gladiator, titanic, Pearl Harbor , brave heart , patriot , green mile 🤩.
These are the types of films I would want to see over the schlock being produced nowadays. This one has substance.
Falling Down has always been one of my favorite movies. Growing up in California makes it easier to relate. So happy I left California in 94’
I'd say you left a bit early. California was absolutely awesome in the 80's and 90's. Only start to turn to crap after 2000's...
My cousin and aunt are in this film. My aunt plays the stripper that comes out of Prendergast's cake and my cousin plays Bill Foster's daughter, Adele. I remember watching this film relatively young and thinking, "Wow, I don't understand how somebody snaps like that." But as I age, I can understand how Bill's character can resonate with the lost generation of a hollowed out American middle class.
Here's a funny story about Kirk Douglas from right around the filming of this movie. Shortly after the filming of the movie wrapped my aunt, uncle and cousin saw Kirk Douglas at a restaurant out in the L.A. area and my uncle told my cousin, "Hey, remember the man who plays your daddy in the movie? HIS DADDY is sitting right over there! (pointing to Kirk) Why don't you go say hi?" my cousin (still about 6 1/2 years old) approached Kirk and said, "you're my daddy's daddy!" and Kirk looks completely shocked responding, "WAIT, WHAT?!?!" my aunt ran over to explain that Michael was PLAYING her daddy in a movie. 😂 my family teases Joey about this to this day.
Great story!
Please, for the love of god, don’t ever remake this movie
A black or latino woman loses her job because of her aggressive white male patriarchal boss, then goes onto a predominantly white male bashing trip spree, only to receive counselling for her crimes. During that time she identifies with an SJW street protestor who both have similar feelings (ref to Not economically viable black dude.) In the meantime instead of seeing Hitler face at the Disposal store we see Orangemanbad face that causes her to go berserk and kill the white male store owner. Plus random SJW interjections of Climate Change, Same sex marriage and other countless stupid narratives being pushed.
@@TCFan30 yes that's it hate those the ruling class tells you hate while they rip you off and laugh at you behind your back
@@TCFan30 yep
@@TCFan30 nanana man...he was plain simple collar guy who had enough of the traffic and went from there...remember he hadn't been employed for months??
@@TCFan30 the irony is his wife lie on him. he was never violent to her or his daughter. but he's a white male and his wife fucked him big time... cause she is a woman, and she has all the power.
This is a very underrated movie.
Big Time under-rated.
Under rated? It was huge when it came out
It ain't. I think it's a golden classic.
Super under rated
DEFINITELY a hidden gem and masterpiece of a movie ! A
t that time, and I remember it well, it was the ageing WASP not understanding the changes of the Nineties.
BIGGEST CHANGE - computers in the workplace. I was 25 at the time and had been working for three years full time. A guy Michael Douglas age worked next to me. He said " because you and another 3 people like you' were hired, 10 of is were made redundant".
These guys couldn't or more accurately wouldn't use computers !
The world was coming out of a Recession.
A hard working white guy who is in his 40's. When he loses his job. That job is, and then instantly WAS the ONLY thing he haD as an emotional anchor.
The end of his job IS the end of him.
This sums up the end of the United States after the Cold War.
His r'ship with his wife and child is shitville. His character is lost . . . completely lost.
I'm now the exact age as Michael Douglas in the movie. I don't have any children (phew . . . I dodged a bullet) but I am divorced.
I'm NOT that angry BUT I have friends who are!
One of my friends does mention this movie . . . often.
That's the brilliance of this movie. It directly applies to you. . . . bloody masterpiece !!!
My dad always said to me "you won't really appreciate this movie till you're older" . I'm late 20's and I get it now.
Stick Around , bro
😎👍
@@johna8973 it gets worse ? 😅
I saw this in the theatre when I was 14. Now, at 42, it certainly resonates.
Wait until your 50 and you’ve got to endure divorce from a sociopath.
One of the best movies of all time.....except the real bad guy is his wife. The "single mom"....the lowest form of life on earth!!! All he wanted was to see his daughter on her birthday. But she was such a c&%t....she wouldn't let him.
It’s not just about Michael Douglas having a bad day. It’s his reaction to The Fallen Society. And it really hits home for him…
Sorry, only one 👍 available 😎
…and for me.
Falling Down is literally my favorite movie of all time.
Repo Man
It’s in my top ten
Falling Down has been on my top 10 movie list for a long time. It's just too damn good and deserves more praise.
lifer
Just bought it at the pawn shop for $1.00...DVD
Fantastic movie- I need to dust it off sometime soon.
I love this movie. It is all about resistance, which someone once called the secret of joy. It took me a while to realize that his weaponry advanced (upgraded) throughout the film, like in a video game. And then when he got to the boss battle he switched out his gun for the toy. It's a beautifully drawn stripping away of the illusion of civilization. Please tell Mr. Douglas his performance is appreciated.
This movie really stayed in my head. I understood the frustration. It remains as a cautionary tale for what happens when you hold emotions in too much.
A real life "Falling Down," Marvin Heemeyer and how he destroyed selected parts of his town with an armored bulldozer. TK
Killdozer!!
How about that crazy fuck that stole a tank.
More like the McDonalds Killer
@@licmy2 That was just a nut. Not a man down on his luck.
@@thetruthx2154 From what I remember he had some beef with he's city government.
*The older I get the more I Identify with William Foster.*
@Old Man Frank I was thinking the same.
@@rustybrowneye *This is what happens when parents do not monitor their child's internet usage. It's all big talk from behind a screen, eh?*
@@CuriousWorldProductions *Yup.*
I see your point.
Subconsciously its a film about the dying of the middle class and nobody seems to care or have consideration for anything.
He's a legend, Michael Douglas. Falling Down, Fatal Attraction, Wall Street, The Game, Romancing the Stone, Chorus Line. Even American President.
Black Rain👍
The Game was incredible!
The Ghost & the Darkness 🦁
Unpopular opinion: He’s who everyone thinks Jack Nicholson is.
This film is a perfect example of how a good and effective story with stellar acting doesn't need to be a big special effects extravaganza in order to be a hit
Dude just wanted to go celebrate his little girl's birthday... 😞
The same thing i was sad about too
@clifton559 I don't think he was nuts. I think he was sick of the world's bullshit and had the balls to stand up to it!
@clifton559 What I NOTICED was that you yell, and can't spell
@clifton559
you are Nuts idiot
He was angry and abusive, Duvall wasn't wrong, but that definitely factors into why he was such an interesting character.
Michael Douglas's best role and one of the greatest movies ever made
Hi, mm I'd like some breakfast...
This one and also his role in the movie "the game"
@@ricardopalma2612 You're right -"The Game" is a great movie, too.
Falling Down and Black Rain were 2 movies I liked a lot back in the day.
Agreed
I work In retail for nearly 12 years, every day I feel push of becoming this character. Thank you.
Retail is nothing. Try a 4 year stint in the military followed by 11 years in the RV business. By the end I used to wake up every day wondering if I would be arrested that day for assaulting someone. Luckily I got out of that industry but I'll tell you, rv work is much, MUCH worse. I know, I worked Retail for 3 years so I have a reference.
The line about rick getting his food after all they had been through together was pure gold.
Joel Schumacher: "When we are asked if Michael Douglas' character is the good guy or the bad guy, the answer is 'yes'." That's what makes this movie so brilliant, in my opinion.
I think he is the good guy, that got a shitty deal. He did everything right and still got kicked in the teeth. That's truly how it is. The most profound line in the movie is " I'm the bad guy?". Both wives are bitches and the streets are full of criminals and scumb, yet he's labeled the bad guy. Real life right there.
Actually, the answer is no. He’s obviously not the bad guy. Bad guys are the real criminals. But he’s obviously not the good guy because good guys don’t go around shooting people.
@@kevin6293 No.....what?
Normal Head Joe, you heard me.
@@kevin6293 I repeat myself ...No...what?
The older I get, the more I feel like Michael Douglas gets me
Great story, well told. Foster had been pushed past his breaking point, and unleashed his id in order to protect himself from everything hostile to him. Top-notch!
Everyone was treating him like crap
Also "the grenade" is an M72 Anti-tank Rocket. While not effective against modern tanks, the use has be switched to be used against light targets such as light armored vehicles, buildings, and bunkers. In Afghanistan it was frequently used to create a hole in a mud or morter brick wall.
This was such a misunderstood masterpiece of a film back in the day. I'm glad that it's now getting the recognition that it deserves
agreed
It'll never get the proper praise as long as it has reasons to be praised, at all.
But this guy doesn't get it either.
It already did? It was pretty successful at the box office
@@KyleGD yes but back in the day it was very polarizing to a lot of people including critics because of how original the story was and some didn’t like how Micheal Douglas’s character finally “Snapped “. It wasn’t until much later that people started to appreciate the story and understood and empathized with the character because of how relatable he is.
"Yeah!!! Now your gonna die wearing that stupid little hat" best line 😂😂
Golfers are assholes anyway
I just like "five"
@@jackolenna what for a hole in one please next time, come up with a better offer how about some fives over here
@@sitdowndogbreath the line in the movie mate.
Other best lines:
"Have you ever heard the expression
'The customer is always right'?"
"You forgot the fuckin' briefcase!!"
"I am just disagreeing with you!!"
"I'm the bad guy?"
"Not Economically Viable"
I totally LOVE this movie. This is my absolute favorite movie of all times. The layers it has, the acting, the cast, the story, the characters, their personality and construction... It's a masterpiece (for me).
You've got great taste. It is freaking incredible dude
Falling down is one of the best movies of the 90’s, hell, of all time
A commentary on the world we live in today. "I'm the bad guy?"
How did that Happen? 😂😭
@@SuperiorNo1 When he allowed his anger to over ride decency. When he decided his needs and perspectives were more important than any others.
When good people don’t get angry, THEY are morally wrong. I didn’t say violent.
He was the original Frank Grimes, or Grimey as he liked to be called.
hahahaha...
Change the channel, Marge.
@@nicktheprick3033 Thats our Homah
Interesting he looks like
Grimey was heavily influenced by The Main Character in Falling Down
That episode of the Simpsons made me realize that I'm surrounded by a bunch of Homer Simpsons in real life!
I just watched this movie for the first time this past weekend. I saw a clip and noticed Douglas and thought the scene was very interesting. I actually thought this was going to be a lawyer type movie from watching a small clip on youtube. I had no clue about the synopsis but was blown away by the interesting thoughts and feeling the score and dialogue had in just a small 20 second clip.
After watching the movie, I think this is a masterpiece. I want to learn more about Michael Douglas because of this film. I could've cared less about the man, but the commentary and execution of the character was so well done. So many interesting ideas and feelings expressed. As you have said, this film offers an amazing amount of creative inspiration. Great film and thanks for researching this more.
Falling down is my favorite Micheal douglas film, so underrated.
The thing i always LOVED about this movie is that you take the journey with Douglas' chatacter ALL THE WAY through to the climax at the pier - you get to feel WITH HIM the sudden realization that he has actually been rather unreasonable in his actions/reactions throughout the course of the film, even THOUGH his sense of outrage at the behavior of the people around him (and society's influence upon them - AND himself) seemed justified up to that point.
Ikr? It's his movie..the charachter. Sure, you have his ex, Barbara Hershey is always a silver screen pro..and child and the excellent job done by Robert Duvall, the detective. But, this film is a standout, bc it follows the downward pirouette of a once normal guy..bad things came along...he went with them, instead of holding the line of sanity. And along with that..the quality: Script, atmosphere, acting, score, production..all spot on.
I also liked Duvall's character in this movie. In fact, it made me a fan of Duvall (he's great in Open Range as well). It offered a nice contrast.
@@jimmym3352 "One twitch, and you're in hell." I love that line
@steveb0503 Then you swallowed the propaganda hook, line, and sinker. The feeling he had wasn't unreasonable, but you buying that it was maintains the status quo. This is why nothing has changed and even more people relate to the character - you're not allowed to threaten the status quo without being "the bad guy".
@u4iadreams All I will say is that pulling out a gun and waving it around, threatening people at a fast-food restaurant because YOU thought breakfast SHOULD still be available, or launching an RPG into a construction zone because YOU were inconvenienced - shouldn't EVER be perceived as "reasonable".
RIP Joel Schumacher. Left behind an impressive filmography.
Excluding the Batman movie he did
Batman forever was no masterpiece.
Bat-butts
Blood Creek was an awesome horror movie
@@ralphwiggum1982 2 Batman movies, the 2nd a lot worse.
It's a great film concept altogether. I was 20 when this first came out and loved this movie for the entertainment purposes. Great writing, great acting and a great story. The older I got when I watched it again and again, i realize it's meant to hit the crowds going through a generation crisis. We're all told to adapt or die as we get older. Michael Douglas character chose the latter. Sadly a lot of people have chosen that path in real life and that's why I think this movie ages really well. It has it's comedic parts, but the overall story is a cross between drama and horror. Definitely Michael Douglas' best work ever 👍
The best part of this movie is how he interacts with kids. He truly loves kids/families cause all he wants is his….the scene with the law bazooka, he’s super nice to the kid teaching him how to use it and he even protects him shielding him from the blast when he accidentally shoots it the wrong way…..
the true man
Dude... He's literally going to kill his kid and ex-wife at the end of the movie.
@@DD-d6d3 Recap it for us.
I don't remember that part.
I remember him trying to see her for her birthday but, I haven't seen the movie since 1996-ish.
He abused his kid in the movie, and later his wife. That’s why she divorced him lmao
I can totally relate to the Michael Douglas character.
Shit man, he's practically me!!!
I agree. This is why I don't own a gun. I'd use it.
Lmao me as well
It's a shame they made him have a past with anger problems, it would have been much cooler if it had been an regular joe just losing it
I always thought this character was on the right side. He just wanted to get home for focks sake.
"Yeah...Now you're gonna Die wearing that Stupid hat!" 😆😆👍🏻 I liked Falling Down, Michael Douglass did a Great job with the Character, as did Robert Duvall.
For the life of me, I can't still fathom why my parents allowed me to watch such dense movies as a kid: Platoon, Alien, The Elephant Man, Falling Down... Thanks to them my love of movies flourished (and no trauma by those themes at early age) and Falling Down has been since then one of my fondest memories about cinema. Falling Down is a masterpiece on its own.
I do agree that this is Michael Douglas's best role!
I couldn't imagine any other actor than Douglas playing that role.
Robin Williams did his Falling Down. It was called One Hour Photo.
That was a movie that proved Robin Williams was more than just a comedic actor. He was so creepy in One Hour Photo.
I preferred him in Insomnia
Excellent film.
One Hour Photo was pretty good. I enjoyed that film too, and hadn't connected the two have similarity.
@Lithus17 Thats not a nice thing to say about sum1 who commited suicide due to depression especially when the man was a legend
Time traveler? No.
The Foster character seemed like someone who spent his life in a work bubble, defending the country. In the military, then as an aerospace engineer.
Then due to being laid off and his car breaking down, he saw what he spent his life defending. The reality of what he sacrificed his life for was too much. His sacrifice was unappreciated and he could have focused on getting rich.
Walter White is a modern version of Foster. A smart man who snapped.
Absolutely, Walter White is definitely the modern version. Very good depiction.
But, we don't know if he served in the military. He probably didn't, given his age would have likely put him in college getting his engineering degree during the Vietnam War.
@@AndrewOvenden When he shoots the drive by guy in the leg, he said, "You missed. I missed, take some shooting lessons asshole". Well he didn't miss, he nailed the guy in the leg. Pretty good shot. He must have had lessons.
I agree that it is speculation his lessons were in the military. But not everyone went to Vietnam. I worked with a guy who was a "Button Pusher" (missiles) in Germany. He used his GI Bill to get an education. So military or maybe a shooting club.
He had D FENS on his license plate, so he was a super patriot who saw what he defended go to hell.
So Drew from the Drew Carey show
@@AndrewOvenden He could of served and got his degree on the GI bill. He could of served and not been deployed to Vietnam (it did happen).
I definitely need to see a certain Foo Fighters music video now. PS Thanks for showing us what Laserdiscs actually looked like in your The Stand review!
Nice sunglasses, Hoss! I loved your backdrop of frivilobilia. This was a fresh insight into this movie, Falling Down, an American classic that hits nerve. It always takes a foreigner to access the American culture properly, just like De Toqueville did for the early United States. Nice work!
There's a William Foster just dying to show himself in all of us
especially when a store guy blatantly tries to rip you off!!!!
Please keep it to yourself, we have enough gun violence.
@@1981menso That doesn't make any sense at all.
Huh????????.
Especially when you go to a Fast Food Restaurant that gives you something that look nothing like what they advertise
At 40 years old, I have come to appreciate this movie.
What's the stupid rap music in the background????
At age 70, I'm looking forward to the day I find a bag full of hot rodded pistols and a Mac 10. But I'll settle for a LAWS rocket.
That scene where the " Not Economically Viable" protester yells out to William Foster: " Dont forget me!" Always hit me even as a kid. You see two guys who at first glance, seem world's apart but quickly you understand they are one in the same as far as being spit on, just trying to do your job and being a good person.
Wearing the same shirt & tie.
One of my top ten favorite movies. No one ever mentions him wearing A pen pocket protector.
One of the best movies ever made that almost nobody ever heard of.
Yup. Childhood favorite of mine.
Jason's lyric crosses my mind as an under rated movie
Noone's ever heard of Falling Down?! You're either ignorant or 6.
0311Mushroom this film was a hit, know loads of people who have seen it and loved it. Dunno what you're on about saying nobody ever heard of it
It's one of my favorite movies - I tell any people about it if they've not heard if it. Mind you one person thought it was bad that I liked a movie about one man's breakdown.
This movie is definitely a hidden gem. Glad to see you giving it some love :D
It should be considered a cultural classic. I think this story represents a fantasy many of us would like to act out, but rarely do, because of our inhibitions and fear of consequences. I got bullied a lot in school, and got to see all the bullies and racists get all the girls while I ended up finishing last. Later on in college I still could not attract girls. I had a lot of inner rage. So I could really relate to Michael Douglas in that movie. It's kind of a twist in the end when he says, "I'm the bad guy?"
Unhinged with Russell Crowe is badass. Reminded me of this,movie!
"I'd like some breakfast"
"You're in luck, sir! It's no longer 1993, and McDonald's has been serving all-day breakfast for almost a decade!"
"...Neat."
Did not know that.. Don't have the (dis)pleasure of frequenting Mcpoison so much..
And now they stopped doing that again.
The worst part about Falling Down is the way it portrays social interactions and economics of the age and how accurate it seems and how things only seems to have gotten worse.
Bingo.
David Espinosa Shut the fuck up liberal!! I grew up in Los Angeles at this time in North East L.A. you have no idea what you’re talking about.
@@samuelplacensis3523 What the fuck? Lol
His rant and steve martins rant in planes, trains, and automobiles is one of the best
My favorite rant is Chevy Chase in Christmas vacation
@@me3333 Or Chevy's rant in the original vacation about fun when they all want to turn around after Aunt Edna dies...classic
@@me3333 Yes I second that!
PT&A is a great film also! One of my alltime favorite comedies.
@@jackbits6397 "I think you're all fucked in the head..."
I was 43 when I first saw this movie. I had been married to the love of my life, Marie for about 4 years. She was 13 years younger than me and looked like Princess Diane's sister. My entire life had been very hard for me starting back when I was 9. This became my favorite movie and it was scary because I could see myself playing the role in real life with just the right push.
But the thing that really creeped me out was his wife saying that his daughter and her were doing just fine without him. This was too close to home because towards the end of our 22-year marriage I found myself trying to tell Marie that I think her and our son would be better off without me. This was a reference to suicide but she never picked up on it.
Then on Valentine's Day 2011 I got served with divorce papers and a restraining order. She had discarded me like so much refuse. I had done very well owning a small car dealership. We wanted for nothing and lived in a half million dollar home back when that kind of money really bought something nice. But she lied in court about me and I lost everything in the divorce and went from well off to poverty stricken and have lived that way for 11 years now.
When I first watched this movie back in 93, I almost became physically ill from what his wife said to him. I couldn't imagine the kind of pain that character would have felt by that until I was discarded. But I never felt a desire for violence towards her. But I could sure understand why the character in the movie might. Losing my marriage to the love of my life after 22 years left me with a couple burgers short of a Happy meal. I would never have hurt my wife but I'm very thankful to God that I didn't take my pain out on others like in the movie cuz it would have been a lot easier than I think.
But for 7 years after being served, I was able to forgive and my head was getting screwed on right. I can tell you I'm lucky to be alive and I mean that literally. I was no longer angry with God whom I actually cursed. The God of the Bible truly saved my body, my life and my soul.
I had forgotten all about this movie until I started watching some of these clips on RUclips. I guess I had forgotten about how close I came to ending up in jail or losing my soul.
I still live in poverty but I want for nothing because God is my provider. I once was worth a million dollars now I live on less than $1,000 a month. But I'm thankful for a roof over my head and a warm bed, flush toilets and hot water, every meal and a voice to sing praises to my Lord and Savior. I once had it all and just wanted more. But today I'm thankful for every little thing. I'm 71 years old now and almost died from covid. I guess God is not done with me yet.
So, the movie? There for the grace of God go I.
dude that was a heavy read. Sorry to hear what you have gone through, it is harder than most of us will ever experience in our lives.
I hope that your find comfort in the remaining years walking this Earth. God bless.
Missing missing reasons 😅 age gap
I read your story. I am glad you came out through the darkness and into the light.
It's really good to talk to someone who will listen and value your story. If you keep it bottled up like a coke can and you shake it up, you know what happens when you open it.
I have worked on cruise ships for 22 years and on one cruise on the Queen Mary 2, one of the chefs jumped overboard in the Atlantic enroute to Halifax. Into cold waters where you succumb to hypothermia in minutes. He came from Chile. His wife and kids left him and he found out while onboard. He left a note that he had nothing to live for.
No one knew. Maybe we could have listened and helped.
We all have our breaking point.
The Heavy Metal Band, Iron Maiden, the lead singer Blaze Bailey who replaced the old singer Bruce Dickinson between 93- 94 wrote a song about this movie, Falling Down! It was called.Man on the Edge! If anybody has never listened to Maiden Before I suggest you start & listen to this song??? Iron Maiden usually writes song about. Movies, Political Dogma, History, like the Spanish Inquisition, WW I, WWII, Religion, Science Fiction like DUNE, Poems & the list goes on............
I know that he's unstable but it's hard not to feel sorry for him at the end. He just wanted to get home to see his daughter,
He was going to shoot his wife and daughter and then kill himself...
@@javierburgos7 say who were is that ever implied in the movie
@@javierburgos7 They assumed that about him - but even the movie itself says he was never violent towards his wife or child (the wife explicitly says that in the movie) It's another bad assumption and misunderstanding of the movie.
A society that pokes fun at people down on their luck, police who try to provoke you for a reaction, different Justice systems for rich and poor, I'm surprised this doesn't happen more often. I have been on the edge of snapping and it's a scary feeling, cuz you know there is no return. I just know to avoid the situations, but you still have to deal with the DMV every year LOL
and taxes.
3 months ago I spent half a day at the CA DMV to get my 'Real ID'. Took written test, fingerprints, photo, passport, birth certificate, utility bills, proof of residency, etc. Now they mailed me my 'renewal' for my drivers license, and I'm required to repeat all of it. Only 6 months later. Gotta LOVE the DMV.
@@bigbaddms what happens if your homeless you can't show an apartment lease you can't show utility bill except for your cell phone bill
i snapped once ... now im estranged from my family because of my actions (after which i spent 45 minutes just starring into nothingness wondering how it was that i had been so easily able to cause such harm as i was raised in a Zen-Taoist household) ... that happened when i was 16 ... im approaching 42 now and am still scared of what i was capable of
They gave you something else to worry about. Right now you are thankful that you get up, go to work, and can pay your bills. They made snapping that little bit further away.
You ever contemplate what life without a system of money would be like? The only way is to be like one of the rich, making people chase it even more. But, no matter how much you have, someone has made sure that they own all of it in the first place..
I love how he keeps upgrading his weapons
I love that I found your channel Minty. Been rewatching a lot of the old classics because of it.
The one thing that caught my attention in this one is all the symbolism.
A lot of it is in the background grafitti and posters (i love you daddy), but some are more in the center of things. Like "Defense".
It gives the movie a depth I totally missed back when it was released.
Never mess with a man who just wanted breakfast!
I think that's how the movie "First Blood" started out.
You beat me to it. Was about to say, "Trivial?!?" Missing the McDonald's breakfast hours, especially by 5 minutes which IIRC is how late he was, is hardly a trivial matter and absolutely warrants a severe response.
It took awhile, but maybe this is why McDonalds serves breakfast all day
Never mess with a man with low blood sugar. We tend to be cranky.
Good thing they serve breakfast all day now LoL.
such an underrated movie, or underwatched, movie. the line "i'm the bad guy?" is just amazing.
Both of the Whammy Burger employees were feature actors in a Seinfeld episode. She played "Victoria" in "The Opposite" episode and the manager played "the sidler" in "The Merv Griffin Show" episode.
I love this movie but a real sadness hangs over the entirety of the film. Some films don't age well but this film kind of stands up to the current world we live in
One note, when you describe him as terrifying his ex-wife, there's an important line in the movie. When the cop asks her if he had ever attacked her, she stops and mumbles, "well, no". He has a temper, but was never a violent man. His wife's decision to file a restraining order despite him not having ever used violence before, likely meaning she lied in court, is written as a major part of his decline. Blame lies on his wife to a signifcant extent, because she exploited her power as a woman to destroy his family life with no personal repurcussions.
Somehow you've taken a single line and spun it into a tale of a deceitful wife who lied about her husband in court, exploited her power, and destroyed their family while suffering no repercussions herself. Maybe, just maybe she knew what sort of man he was and what he was capable of, and sought the restraining order because she didn't want to wait around to be a victim.
@@xxcrysad3000xx I think you're missing the weight of her reaction to being asked that question. She created him as much as the events of the movie.
@@AllThingsCubey We aren't given much of anything as far as backstory but those conversations over the phone, and with the cops. We are told that she is afraid of her husband even though he has never laid a hand on her or their daughter. We also know that, for some reason, he blames his mother for their divorce. Finally we know that he hasn't been going to work every morning, but we don't know what he's been doing with his time during the day. Perhaps he has been harassing/stalking his wife as they try to move on with their lives. In any event, that's sufficient for a restraining order. We don't need to assume her lying about a history of violence to conclude that yes, he does have a certain predisposition toward violence. Normal people don't just smash up convenience stores when they're having a bad day.
@@xxcrysad3000xx
Are you not yourself spinning a tale. She knows what kind of man he is and what he is capable of? We are all capable of heinous acts, however we don't act on our urges for the most part.
She probably lied, he did nothing to warrant a retraining order, it was mere on her say so as a woman.
Or.maybe it's a fucking movie
Good stuff. Thanks.
There are so many terrific scenes in the movie, but the "not economically viable" scene struck a particular chord for me. Especially when I realized the man was dressed exactly the same. The white shirt, pants, pen in the pocket and even the tie and haircut. It's like Dfens first saw the guy and was like 'now that's a guy having a nervous breakdown', then slowly realizing that he was the same. The other guy recognized it immediately.
ye and there was no race issue politics or social justice commentary. It spoke for itself
They always said that was a racist "angry white male," but the scene with the African American protester at the bank and his revulsion toward the neo-nazi proprietor of the thrift store (especially when the guy fantasizes that the empty canister of Zyclon-B might be have been used to gas Jews in a Nazi death camp,) disproves that allegation. He was angry because everything he believed in and worked for had "fallen down. He had lost his family and his career despite having played by the rules. He was probably going to kill himself, but first he wanted to see his daughter one last time and give her a birthday present. He doesn't realize just how crazy he has become until he views himself in a videotape he watches in his former home. It startles him and he is ashamed. I don't know if he would (in the state he was in) have killed his wife and daughter before turning the gun on himself. I don't think he would have, but you never know and he didn't get a chance.
@@jamesrogers47 I disagree with you. I definitely think that he was going to kill them and then turn the gun on himself just like the officer said. What really convinces me of it is when he is talking to the family at the golf course. He says that when he gets home they will all "go to sleep in the dark" and that everything will be like it was again. That specific line definitely has a sinister tone to it for me. Maybe he didn't consciously realize that was his ultimate goal, but the movie was really hinting at it in my opinion.
Paul Newman would’ve given that role a landmark rendition imho. And Dennis Hopper would’ve directed it straight into filmmaking lore.
I remember watching this at the cinema in my 20's and the audience literally cheered when the character was dishing out justice
one of my favorite movies. "you forgot the briefcase"
Another...."Yo Homie....that my briefcase?"
Under construction
Yeah ahahaha
... For an apple and 2 sandwiches
AWESOME
Even as a kid when I first saw this I understood Douglas. Understood him completely
Same
I love this movie. I watch it occasionally because I need to live vicariously through him instead of losing it and doing something myself. Because some days your frustration wants to boil over.
One of my favorite movies. Foster is a hero. A man the got sick of being a victim.
At the time this movie came out I was going through some bad times so when we saw the movie it REALLY disturbed me since I was quietly cheering him on. After the movie, I talked to a lot of people who said that they felt the same way and that was kind of the point of the story. I think that is why the GTA games resonate so well with me and so many others are that it's a way to just get wholesale destruction out of your system without bringing it into reality. I honestly thought most people have forgotten this movie so I very much appreciate your insightful review.
Fuckin A
A lot of people felt that way and still do. The point of the movie was that if you feel frustrated by crime, rudeness, disrespect and incompetence, there is something wrong with you. That's why Douglas' character is so exaggerated.
I was 13 when this came out and I totally empathized with him. I not only cheered him on but thought he had it right and everyone else had it wrong. That people allowed the worst traits in humanity to thrive and and were too cowardly to do anything about it.
True true! This movie reflects the inner anger in all of us. How we truly would like to react to all this bullshit and nonsense, while also knowing the disastrous consequences that we would face in doing so. Sadly, this is also why so many school shootings have been happening, because some of the downtrodden just have to release all the built-up anger, not caring about the fact that prison and/or death await them. This movie really makes you question the values of self, society, and sanity.
I love the movie for the same reasons. Ultimately, there’s a primal instinct that we reach as a result of constantly being poked and prodded with a stick.... I think ALL of us want to lash out and that’s why this movie resonates with people so much....the character Michael Douglas plays in the movie is the kind of person you DON’T fuck with in real life.....
Falling down is really the decline of society as we see it today as customer service and products are not what they are suppose to be and people have become more selfish and cynical than before.
Great point💯
This movie was ahead of it's time. Showing all the bullshit going on in America, thanks to the liberal left.
@@fml5910the corporatist right is just as bad if not worst.
The Federal Reserve Bank as well as the Central Banks in general are one of the worsest tools ever to be invented by mankind.
@@willia3r I guess you're right. Yes the right is for greed, and the rich, and screwing the poor.
They also want communism,not capitalism.
People from all sides are fucking things up, quit giving one group so much credit.
Falling down is a serious classic. Fantastic for teenage males to watch as they're going through all the angst at that point in their life. My best friend and I watched it around 1996 (we were 16) and we still talk about it today.
I was a teen when this movie debuted, and couldn’t relate to it as I had all the promise in the world to be productive in society. Financially I’m above average, but now I have a different understanding of this film. Once society has chewed you up, and spat you out it makes more sense.
The reason why this movie is so cherished is because it is so accurate to society behavior.
This movie was a foretelling of the things we were going to end up having to deal with really well done from top to bottom very underrated
Had Ford taken this role, it would feel more like an action film then a drama. Douglas was the best actor for this role.
And, talk about **RANGE**, Michael Douglas has it! He plays the nerd-meltdown role to perfection, then went on the play the super-sinister role in "Wall Street"...
Ford has no acting chops
Guess none of you have seen
Mosquito Coast? Ford would have been perfect..
Back then "this guy is nuts". Now? "This guy is a hero"
I do private armed security and I met Mr. Douglas one night at a Hollywood event. I escorted him to his car. He was really friendly and polite and I told him I was a big fan of Wall Street and Falling Down. Nice guy. Rare in Hollywood. But many of the older generation of actors / actresses are still really humble and friendly to fans and staff. He's one of them.
"I'm just standing up for my rights as a consumer"
Prent.: "What did he steal?"
Lee: "Nothing. He pay for it then he leave"
@@Katzian It does some to advocate communism, but some of these small convenience stores in poor areas do really pretty much rape their consumers with prices that are outrageous. 85 cent for a 50 cent coke. The shop owner bought the coke at wholesale sonit likely cost him 25 cents. Douglass likely did him a favor. Him raping his consumers is just going to cause his competitors to move to that location and give a reasonable deal to people, and he will lose his livelihoo
@@probrickgamer prices are that high to cover the cost of the "shrinkage" that the dude has to put up with in that neighborhood. Did that shopowner look like Mr Moneybags to you?
I get your point, but I also understand the economics of some of these places - so many people think "rich store, I can steal this with no problem" and not understand that their stealing IS the problem.
I think about this movie when I pay $4 for a coke from a convenience store.
atey fih cent...atey fih cent you go now
..and when a burger doesn't look as expected
Then stop buying soda. It has no redeeming qualities whatsoever anyway.
I went to New York in 2003, but we stopped in New Jersey for lunch.
I was shocked to see that basic BK combo I got at home for like $4.50 costed nearly $9.00 there. I would hate to see how much it would cost nowadays with inflation, specially as the local prices are getting closer to $9 per combo.
I don't think some of these people got your comment, here
Dude goes after everyone in this movie- rich people, old people, gangsters, panhandlers, fast food workers, road workers, Nazis, cops, it's a great movie
Don't sleep on Robert Duvall's character. When he tells his wife off on the phone....superb.
'The Shining' was Jack Nicholson's 'Falling Down'.
This movie represent my feelings on a daily base.
The critical part is the end. Duvall was the hero. ‘They lie to everybody.’
Right or wrong, life sucks. But our challenge is how we react. The anger is frightening.
While some of his encounters were justified, many revealed a hair trigger and a sense of self entitlement.
I hope you find peace. I too felt like you.
But by looking at the only thing that I could change: me and how I react.
The serenity of self in a world of crazy is actually better than any drug. Takes time, but we’ll worth the effort.
William Foster: Have you ever heard the expression "The customer is always right"?
Mr.dougles, looks likes a military account.
Probably overlooked and underrated because great movies were coming out frequently in the 90s.In 1993 we Had Jurrassic Park,Schindlers List,The Piano,A Bronx Tale,Carlitos Way,The Age of Innocence,In the Name of the Father,Sleepless in Seattle,Philedelphia,The fugitive,Groundhog Day.
Now you might get 2 or 3 ok movies a year
A few good, (indeed great) films in there, but I've got to laugh at the fact that 'Sleepless in Seattle' is in there - a massive turd of a movie. A hateful piece of garbage in every way.
I saw it on a North Sea ferry, in a hellish gale (no one could walk, and there was vomit everywhere) and staying in the cinema was a good idea, because it distracted everyone from the awful motion, and I still left - I'd rather roll around in vomit than watch Sleepless in Seattle in other words.
3 of the movies you named are good. Still better than today though.
Carlito's way!
I think it has to do a lot with technology to create and distribute movies becoming widely available and inexpensive, and their effects on the bottom line of production companies, that make Hollywood seem only interested in established properties like Star Wars and Marvel movies. CG has improved to the point where just about any effect or scenario can be created, allowing big budget studios to invest primarily in blockbusters that can make buku profits. However, the cost to create these films means one or two movies that aren’t runaway successes, not even a failure, can bankrupt a studio.
I think New Line Cinema was the one who took too big a gamble on two or three movies, one being John Carter, which destroyed them and left them to be bought up.
@warrcc c Without question Tom Hanks is incredible in very nearly every film he's in, and Meg Ryan was not only gorgeous, but could act.
I can't remember how good their chemistry was because I hated the film so much, but I've got no reason to doubt that they pulled it off, being as talented as they were.
I loved this film. But the scary thing is I have that exact haircut, glasses, and I’m 48. Lol
I bet you do LoL
Do you wear a pocket-protector, too?...lol
You work for DARPA too? lol
CLASSICALFAN100 no, but that would be cool, because I’d look like 1960’s NASA Mission Control, lol
ElLobo18 Unfortunately not, retired military though, lol
The Jesus mural with the yellow Chevy truck during the drive by shooting scene is also in the movie "Colors" which ALSO stars Robert Duvall.
See the natural progression of weapons also, first shirt and tie, then bat, knife, guns, bazooka, shootout finish. And the symbolism of the other non-ecenomically viable man is also wearing the white shirt and tie, And when he commits his first murder, Nazi Nick, he then shoots an image of himself in the mirror. Bill dies, DFENS takes over, and goes down a dark path, without ever really realizing it, as he asks Robert Duval's character, "How did I become the bad guy?" He is NOT just the bad guy but the Hero, villain, AND victim all in one. Absolutely Great.