Falling Down: Mapping the city in Falling Down

with film writer, Nick Parker, PhD

On a scorching day in the city, working stiff William “D-Fens” Foster (Michael Douglas) breaks down and deserts his car on the freeway to begin Joel Schumacher’s 1993 film Falling Down. The rest of the day takes us with Foster on an increasingly wild journey across LA. As he passes through different parts of the city, we discover both the friction between different communities living in close proximity, and the antagonism that drives Foster himself. We’ll talk about whether Foster is ultimately more hero or villain.

6:45 - Doors Open

7:00 - Intro to Film by Nick Parker

7:10 - Falling Down 113 Minutes

9:30 - Discussion on Film led by Nick Parker

Nick Parker has been teaching and writing about film for over ten years. He has published articles on M Night Shyamalan ‘s Lady in the Water, William Golding’s novel “Pincher Martin” and the horror film “Open Water.” He holds a PhD from Boston College. He lives in downtown Lynn and currently teaches film, literature and writing at Babson College.