Michael Douglas’s ‘Falling Down’ Predicted Today’s Political Climate

by

Quick Links

  • Bill Foster Is Mad as Hell and Isn’t Going to Take It Anymore in ‘Falling Down’
  • Michael Douglas Deserved an Oscar for ‘Falling Down’

As a film enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the celluloid world, I must say that “Falling Down” is one of those rare gems that truly stands out. The story of Bill Foster, portrayed brilliantly by Michael Douglas, resonates deeply with my own sensibilities as someone who has witnessed the evolving tapestry of American society.

The 2024 presidential election underscored that America continues to be a deeply polarized nation, not only ideologically but also economically. While individuals who own stocks have reaped significant benefits, countless others are financially struggling, with minimal savings and finding it challenging to purchase essential items like groceries.

30 years ago, predictions were made about a political uprising among the middle class during the 2024 election. This was foreshadowed in the 1993 psychological thriller movie “Falling Down,” where Michael Douglas portrayed Bill Foster, a man who had recently divorced and lost his job as a defense engineer. As he wandered through Los Angeles’ urban landscape, seeking to attend his daughter’s birthday celebration, we saw how his frustration and disillusionment played out in a series of confrontational encounters.

Despite Foster being white, contrasted with many of the film’s main characters who are not, “Falling Down” has been criticized as racist and typical revenge cinema. However, it’s essential to understand that while “Falling Down” intentionally features characters designed to provoke Foster’s anger, the movie primarily explores the heart-wrenching tragedy of a man whose despair has morphed into a kind of madness, a condition that could potentially affect anyone who feels overlooked and discarded after diligently adhering to societal norms and striving hard.

Bill Foster Is Mad as Hell and Isn’t Going to Take It Anymore in ‘Falling Down’

Much like the movie “Falling Down,” which depicted the turmoil of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, this film encapsulates the key concerns of the electorate in the 2024 presidential election. It primarily focuses on the economy, particularly inflation, and immigration issues.

The movie “Falling Down” starts off with Bill Foster, portrayed by Michael Douglas, finding himself stuck in an unbearable traffic congestion. This situation triggers a barrage of feelings and visuals about cultural deterioration within him. After his car’s cooling system malfunctions, Foster, carrying only a briefcase, decides to leave the vehicle. When another driver inquires about Foster’s destination, he vaguely replies that he’s heading home.

The downward spiral into criminal activities for Foster starts on his daughter’s birthday when he visits a convenience store to make a call. Initially trying to buy a soda to get change, he finds out that the 85-cent can of pop won’t provide enough change for the call. Frustrated, Foster steals the store owner’s baseball bat and damages various items inside the store before departing. Following this incident, Foster encounters two Latino gang members who harass him. In defense, he takes a knife from them, then later, a gun called an Uzi. As the movie progresses, he acquires even more powerful weapons such as a rocket launcher.

In simpler terms, the character of Foster, whose violent actions draw police attention, particularly Sergeant Prendergast, who is retiring after feeling unappreciated. Both characters, played by Robert Duvall in “Falling Down,” share a sense of being unwanted and questioning their purpose in life. The film can be seen as an exploration of two men who, despite facing similar pressures, have ended up on opposite paths. Much like the dynamic in “Heat,” these characters serve as mirror images of each other. Their climactic encounter represents a battle between a man who is completely shattered and another who has miraculously kept his life intact.

‘Falling Down’ Predicted a Vanishing Middle Class

The movie Falling Down remains surprisingly contemporary, particularly concerning the struggles of the middle class, which were already significant when it debuted in 1993 and have become even more intense with the rise of AI. Initially, Michael Douglas’ character in Falling Down symbolized a group of individuals who worked diligently but were precariously close to financial ruin, even as the film was released.

Following the 2024 presidential election, Douglas joined Bill Maher on the program “Real Time with Bill Maher” to delve into why Donald Trump was re-elected and why the Democratic party failed to win. During this discussion, Douglas stated:

“The economy has been changing dramatically over the past 40 years. While the stock market has skyrocketed by 5,000%, wages for most people have only increased by 14%. This means that half of our country owns stocks, and they aren’t expressing many complaints at the moment. However, it’s those who live paycheck to paycheck and are struggling with inflation that are being severely affected. I believe we underestimated the impact of this situation. It’s surprising now to discuss Republicans as a party for the people, while Democrats are seen as an elitist group.

Michael Douglas Deserved an Oscar for ‘Falling Down’

In the film “Falling Down,” Michael Douglas masterfully portrays Bill Foster, a character whose descent into chaos is strikingly relatable due to the societal factors that led to his downfall. Dressed in attire reminiscent of the 1950s and 60s, with black-framed glasses, a crew cut, briefcase, pocket protector, and formal attire, Foster appears as if he’s been displaced from an era when life was more understandable.

In his portrayal of Foster in the movie “Falling Down,” Douglas delivers his most daring act, grappling with expressing Foster’s anger and sorrow in a raw yet non-glorifying manner. Unlike the thrilling sensation experienced while watching Charles Bronson gun down drug dealers and rapists in the “Death Wish” series, “Falling Down” offers an empathetic portrayal of madness. This movie tells the story of a man who once believed he was living the American Dream, but doesn’t comprehend why it has eluded him. Rent “Falling Down” on Apple TV, Prime Video, or Google Play to watch this insightful exploration of mental turmoil.

Read More

2024-12-01 01:10