Falling Down

Kris Tomlinson

September 25, 2006

Drama 62 10-10:50

ID 104008850

Evaluation # 1

The film “Falling Down” contains a simple plot of one man trying to go home vs. the rest of the world that is standing in is way. Furthermore, intertwined with this plot are several other minor plots that allow for the movie to maintain its interest and give it a twist. As the movie unfolds you continue to learn about the pasts of the characters and thus continue to change the viewer’s perception of the situations.

The main plot of the film revolves around a man named Bill. He is an unstable man who has recently lost his job and is also struggling with a failed marriage and not being able to see his daughter on her birthday. Throughout the movie Bill runs into different people that represent the evils or wrongs with the society of today. At the beginning of the movie the director keeps the viewers sympathy with Bill as they agree with what Bill sees and says. But the as the plot unfolds the mood of the film changes as the audience begins to see just how unstable Bill really is and begin to change their views toward the main character Bill.

Another plot that exists in the movie is that of the parallels betweens Bill the crazed gunman and the lead detective trying to bring down Bill. Detective Prendergast and Bill are very similar in their life situation but the plot between them basically represents the difference in decisions that people can make when they are faced with similar situations. Bill has recently lost his job because he was unnecessary. Detective Prendergast now has a desk job because of his wife and her fear of him being out on the street. To Prendergast he has basically lost his job too because he hates not being out actually doing his job. Another parallel in these men’s lives involves their families. Bill has lost his wife and daughter because of a divorce while Prendergast has basically lost his wife, although they are still together, because of the death of their child. For Bill these circumstances mentally and psychologically push him over the edge while Prendergast tries to keep his life in order and continue to live a somewhat normal life.

An effective incite