John Peterson lives with his partner Eric and their adopted daughter in Southern California. When he is visited by his aging father Willis from Los Angeles who is searching for a place to retire, their two very different worlds collide.
Pam says:
Viggo Mortensen writes, directs, and stars as John Peterson in “Falling,” an evocative story about love, family obligation, and compassion even when it seems undeserved. John is estranged from his incredibly harsh, judgmental father, Willis (Lance Henricksen) living on the West Coast as Willis resides alone and cognitively deteriorating on the opposite coast. Attempting to aid his father age more safely, John attempts to bring Willis into his life–a life Willis never approved–and the brutal reality of perceptions and decisions intersect.
Henricksen creates a formidable character whose acerbic tongue has sharpened over the years. As John, his partner Eric (Terry Chen) and their teenage daughter attempt to find understanding in their hearts, John must lean into his conviction and face his demons of the past.
This is a heart-wrenching story as Mortensen’s directorial debut shows us the trauma and tragedies of his character’s youth and the coping mechanisms he uses to trudge successfully forward. Henricksen’s portrayal of Willis is shockingly convincing that elicited audible gasps and a myriad of emotions. Mortensen dons three hats in this film, capably doing so, and gives us an equally solid performance.
3 Stars
Chuck says:
Based on events from Viggo Mortensen’s life, the actor not only stars in, but serves as writer and director on this, his debut feature behind the camera. Not surprising, there’s a sense of intimacy to the film, a lived-in look and feel to the production that speaks to the personal aspect the performer brings to the project and the film is all the better for it. Though a hard-watch, the solid performances and brutal honesty on display make this well worth the time and emotional investment.
Flashbacks throughout establish the contentious relationship between father Willis (Lance Henricksen) and son John (Mortensen), two strong-minded individuals who, one senses, were once estranged. It’s no wonder as the old man was contentious when he was younger and is now worse now that dementia has set in; his filter gone, he spouts the most offensive thoughts he has about all around him and has no problem sharing his horrendous opinions on people and events from his past.
Henricksen’s performance is so contentious and real that while you cringe at every word that comes out of his mouth, you can’t help but laugh at how audacious and inappropriate he is. The actor gives the performance of his career, unafraid to plum the depths of this bitter, damaged man, destroying all around him with his vitriol, not caring whether he garners any sympathy or not. Mortensen wisely underplays his role, John showing a sense of patience that might be seen as noble or masochistic. That is until he’s had his fill, spewing forth a litany of justified complaints and greivances that shock the old man, as well as himself. It’s a cathartic moment that’s beautifully underscored by the next that finds both men contrite yet satisfied that the air between them has been cleared.
Falling is the latest in a spate of recent movies that have dealt with varying forms of dementia and the effect it has not only on the afflicted but their family as well. Though it isn’t as devistating as the Anthony Hopkins’ feature The Father, this is a well-made film that cuts deep with anyone who’s had to come to terms with the difference between their idealized image of their parents and the flawed reality that’s revealed to them.
3 1/2 Stars
