Falling Down stands up to the test of time.
"I'm the bad guy?" breaks me each and every time.
Subtly devastating, devastatingly subtle.

One of Michael Douglas's best performances in my opinion.

"Not economically viable" "Don't forget me" the nod.

Some context for this movie is nowadays needed.
After the Cold War ended, and the U.S.S.R. was no more, the U.S. defense industries in California began huge layoffs.
Skilled workers suddenly found themselves unable to get a comparable job.

My friend's father could not get a job in the defense industry, and went back to college to pursue another field of work.

That is the background of the economy this movie takes place in.

Douglas says this is his favorite character in the whole of his career.

"Having a falling down day" became a universally  understood expression at workplaces across Amrica after this movie came out.

The partner is played by Rachel Ticotin.  I remember her from "Total Recall" and "Con Air"

The actress you're thinking of is Jeanette Goldstein ("Aliens" and "Terminator 2")

I like how you two are very respectful to each other and visibly conscientious about not interrupting and truly listening to the other person.  I could learn from you.  Thanks.

The lead police officer Pendergast is played by the “great” Robert Duval !! He was in the “Godfather” movies!!Plus many other movies!!

I watched this twice in theaters. I remember it being a very divisive film then, most people did not know what to make of it. Now that I am older, I can see how varied and nuanced a commentary on the human condition it really is.

This is such an under-appreciated movie. Couple observations...When he abandoned his car, he told the driver behind him he was "heading home".  He was always heading to see the ex-wife and his daughter.   William's name isn't important as he could represent "anyone" Doe who feels like they've lost or had someone/something taken from them...and they're one random incident away from blowing their top.  The movie is complicated because there are times when you see William's POV and sympathize with his character and occasionally even root for him.  We've all missed the breakfast cut off by 1-2 minutes or been frustrated at an absurd traffic situation on a miserable hot day.  We all question unreasonable prices.  Most of us don't whip out a weapon and trash the store we're in or shoot up the fast food place.  We suck it up, accept what is and move on.  Most of us don't cross that line.  It's an interesting study in what we do vs what we might wish we could do in some situations.  That being said...physically hurting people IS NOT okay.

There were loads of people in this... You already know Michael Douglas and Robert Duvall. People have already mentioned Rachel Ticotan from "Total Recall".  There was also...
Barbara Hershey from "Beaches" and "Hannah and Her Sisters"...and more.
Lois Smith from "East of Eden", "Five Easy Pieces" and more.
And plenty of supporting character actors who've been is several other things....Michael Paul Chan, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Kimberly Scott, John Diehl, Raymond J. Barry,  D.W. Moffett.

And you're right...this is another unexpected performance from Michael Douglas....who before the 90s was mostly known for his roles in "Fatal Attraction", "Wall Street" and his 3 romantic/action comedies with Kathleen Turner.

this is one of them movies that you wont forget... thats what makes it great :)

Fun fact ; Iron Maiden made a song about this movie called "Man On The Edge".

A movie of commentary on society and its felt frustrations and pain and turmoil and ending up how twisted can drive a person to being a way over, especially if a person already has some temper control like his character.

I remember being hyped for this when it came out. Then it turned out not to be at all what I expected. I still enjoyed the heck out of it.

William Friedkin’s Sorcerer (1977) is one of the most intense, nerve-shredding thrillers ever put to film, where four desperate men haul unstable nitroglycerin across treacherous jungle roads. The atmosphere is brutal, sweaty, and unrelenting—every moment feels like the world could explode. If you want raw tension, jaw-dropping practical stunts, and a forgotten masterpiece that makes today’s action movies look tame, this is it.

You’ve seen Michael now in two serious roles , now you need to see him in a different role:
 “ROMANCING THE STONE “
great movie with him and Kathleen Turner and Danny DeVito .
Romance , adventure, comedy in the Colombian jungle!!
Such a great movie!!

The title didn't hit me until I saw this several times...
🎶 London Bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down 🎶

Really good film, you go from supporting him to against him many times throughout the movie, and feeling sorry for him.

This is very much a Taxi Driver situation where you aren’t exactly sure who is the bad guy.