Falling Down (1993)

 

Could this be Joel Schumacher's best film?

It might be. 

For those only remembering the disaster that was 'Batman & Robin': don't forget that mr Schumacher also gave us 'The Lost Boys', thé most quintessential teenage vampire flick ever. And this insanely good thriller, where you truly tend to root for the bad guy.

It is a sweltering hot day and our lead (Douglas) is stuck in traffic. Then he just snaps and leaves his car behind, heading out across the city to see his daughter (he's divorced). But along the way, things just go from bad to worse, as minor irritations and unlucky encounters make him ever more irate and dangerous. 

In the meantime, close-to-retirement police officer Prendergast (Duvall) is starting to puzzle together that altercations that seemingly have no relation, are in fact all happening on a straight path. The path that Douglas' character is taking... 

This film works because the tension is palpable throughout and because the idea that things that annoy us in daily life are so recognisable. Overpriced products at the local store? Check. Tight rules concerning when to order breakfast and lunch at a fast food restaurant? Check. Thugs picking on people because they have nothing better to do with their time? Check. This is what makes the audience almost root for our antihero. Douglas' character is not a nice person. In fact, he is close to being a full blown sociopath who stalks his ex-wife. But there are times when you can empathise with him, except he goes all the way and uses violence to get his frustration out whereas most people would not do so. 

Fortunately. 

The editing is top notch, the story flows nicely with a little humour sprinkled throughout and all our main characters are likable. Bonuspoints to Rachel Ticotin for being a colleague that feels natural and plays well off of Duvall. 

In short: this is excellent and it comes highly recommended.