"I am not a vigilante. I am just trying to get home to my little girl's birthday party and if everyone will just stay out of my way, nobody will get hurt."
- Falling Down
I had the opportunity to see this film recently. All I can say is, wow! This film is amazing in the way it tells a story - it's really a story about perspective and how we view things.
In the movie, we have a normal all around guy William Foster (played by Michael Douglas) who followed all the rules in life yet for some reason still ended up with the short end of the stick.
First his family, then his job - it all took a downturn spiral. Factor in having a really bad day (we've all had them!) where nothing seems to go his way and people try to push him around - it just gets worse from there. And, by worse - I mean ballistic.
It's like just being pushed over the edge, to the point where you are so down in life that you have nothing to lose yet everything to gain. Very interesting concept.
I think what's more interesting about the movie is the different perspectives - each character he interacts with seems to see him in a different way, a bad way. And, it's rather comical yet brilliant to see and hear the dialogue from different points of view.
One of my favorite quotes was during the beginning of the film in the convenient store. All Foster wanted to do was get some change for the pay phone.
Though, it ended up being quite a battle with the shop keeper even to do that. And, what I found interesting about this scene was the two different viewpoints portrayed. I don't want to ruin it for those who have not seen the film, but let's just say it was a pretty powerful yet comical scene with some very good points.
(Note: One of my favorite quotes in this scene was when Foster said, "You think I'm a thief? Oh, you see, I'm not the thief. I'm not the one charging 85 cents for a *stinking* soda! You're the thief. I'm just standing up for my rights as a consumer.")
And, it just wasn't this scene - it was scene after scene with the same message. Again, it was all a matter of perspective - we have different viewpoints on how we see things based on our past and present experiences in life. There were definitely some very brilliant moments in the film.
This movie may not dazzle everyone. It's one of those films that you really have to read into - it has a message, a very powerful message that may not get across to everyone. But, if you listen carefully to the words and pay to attention to the actions taken you just might catch them.
Overall, I enjoyed the film. It's one of those movies that really does make you think about how we view the world - people see the world through different eyes. One person may see things in a different way than someone else. And, in the end - it's all a matter of perspective.
If you're in the mood for an action type of movie that makes you think, I definitely recommend this one.
Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: PASS
(Note: For all the fans of the film, feel free to check out this fan trailer based on the movie. Enjoy!)
Happy movie watching!
p.s. If you've joined my Facebook Page already, I just wanted to say "thanks" for your support. If you know anyone else who may have an interest in film and movies, feel free to send them over. Thanks!
Video Link
Posts
8 comments:
such a good performance by michael douglas. and who hasn't felt like just actingout sometimes? hee hee.
I definitely agree, his performance was great! I know we've all had our bad days and sometimes it feels like we just want to act on our emotions, thanks for sharing your thoughts! :)
I absolutely love this movie, and it's one of Michael Douglas's best performances. He's so damn good, playing the guy gone mad, but making him seem somewhat reasonable in the midst of his breakdown.
Thanks for sharing, Heather! Michael Douglas definitely has his moments in the film - he's like a teapot waiting to boil, the emotions really build up. The film definitely makes a good point about people and human nature in general, thanks for stopping by!
Good film and an excellent performance from Douglas. I agree with Heather - one of his best.
I'm glad they did not make a series out of this film, the first one was enough - great performance and interesting concept!
I was pleasantly surprised with this film. I remember one night I was wanting to see a movie; something I hadn't seen before. My friend had it and I gave it a whirl. I'm glad I did. Douglas did well.
I liked the grittiness of it and the emotional journey it takes you on with the main character.
The movie is set in a hot day in Los Angeles, and there's a starkness associated with it. The movie, directed by Joel Schumacher, achieves this subtle transformation well. Michael Douglas plays a laid off worker who used to work for a military defense related manufacturer.
Post a Comment